Expanding its annual tradition, Dakota West Credit Union is accepting scholarship applications from both graduating high school seniors and students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institute or trade school.
DWCU will be awarding three scholarships:
1st place – $2000
2nd place – $1500
3rd place – $1000
Students must be pursuing their education during the 2026-2027 academic year. Students must also be a member of any of the eight branches of Dakota West Credit Union. Only one entry is allowed per student.
Established in 1941, each of the Dakota West Credit Union branches and its members and employees help grow the Dakota West family with exceptional commitment to building relationships and strengthening communities. Offering scholarships to students within its communities continues its focus on this growth through the next generation.
Click here to access the scholarship application. The deadline for submission is January 12th, 2026, with winners announced on January 23rd, 2026 on Dakota West Credit Union’s Facebook page.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Simple Steps to Protect Your Finances
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a reminder that staying safe online matters all year. At Dakota West Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you protect your accounts, your identity, and your peace of mind through easy but powerful habits.
Why It Matters Now
Fraud and cyberattacks are rising. In recent years, consumers have lost billions to scams and identity theft—and financial institutions are frequent targets. As your credit union, we believe that security isn’t just our job behind the scenes—it’s a partnership with you, our member.
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re doubling down on education and proactive measures. But the best defense starts with you.
Four Foundations for Better Online Security
These simple practices make a big difference. Think of them as your “core four”:
Strong, unique passwords + a password manager Reusing passwords across accounts is risky. Use a password manager to store and generate complex passwords for each login.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) MFA adds an extra verification step—like a code sent to your phone. That additional barrier stops many would-be attackers.
Be alert to scams and phishing attempts Suspicious emails, texts, or links asking for personal info should raise red flags. Before clicking anything, verify the source. If something feels off, contact us.
Keep your software and devices updated Updates often patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates when possible.
What DWCU Is Doing for Your Safety
We take security seriously—not just in October, but every day. Here’s how we protect your accounts:
Secure systems & encryption Our online and mobile platforms are built with security in mind, and all communications are encrypted.
Fraud monitoring and alerts Our systems watch for unusual activity so we can respond quickly if something seems off.
Staff training & awareness Our team continually updates their knowledge of the latest cyber threats and best practices.
Member education & support Through blogs, emails, and alerts, we keep you informed and ready to take action.
Your Cybersecurity Checklist
Take control of your online safety with these steps today:
Review your passwords. Switch to a password manager if you haven't already.
Enable MFA for your DWCU account and any other services that allow it.
Scrutinize emails, texts, or calls asking for personal data. When in doubt, don’t click — call us directly.
Turn on automatic updates for your devices and apps.
Keep an eye on your statements, and report anything suspicious immediately.
Beyond October: Staying Ahead of Threats
A more secure relationship with technology doesn’t start and end in October. At DWCU, we aim to:
Continue sharing timely security tips and alerts
Evolve our internal security procedures
Stay abreast of emerging threats and defenses
Foster a culture where security is natural, not reactive
Thank you for partnering with us in keeping your accounts—and your identity—safe. If you ever have questions about security or suspect something unusual, reach out. We're here to help.
Make Life Easier This Season with SavvyMoney®
As the seasons change and life gets busier—whether it’s back-to-school schedules, holiday gatherings, or winter road trips—it’s easy to let your finances slip to the bottom of the list. That’s where SavvyMoney® from Dakota West Credit Union comes in. Built right into your Digital Banking, SavvyMoney® helps you keep your credit score—and your financial confidence—at your fingertips.
Why SavvyMoney®?
SavvyMoney® isn’t just a number on a page. It’s your personal credit tool, designed to give you peace of mind while helping you reach your goals. With it, you’ll enjoy:
Daily Access to Your Credit Score – No waiting, no guessing.
Real-Time Credit Monitoring Alerts – Stay in the know about changes that matter.
Personalized Credit Reports – See the big picture in a clear, easy-to-understand format.
Special Credit Offers – Unlock opportunities tailored to you.
And the best part? It’s included with your membership!
Convenient, Like the Rest of Your Life
We know our younger members are always on the move—between work, school, travel, and time with family and friends. SavvyMoney® is built to fit into your lifestyle, helping you stay ahead without slowing you down. No extra apps to download, no extra logins to remember. Just the financial insight you need, right where you already bank.
Start Fresh This Season
This fall and winter, give yourself the gift of financial clarity. When you enroll in SavvyMoney®, you’re not just tracking a score—you’re investing in your future.
It’s fast. It’s easy. It’s your credit, made simple.
Log in to Dakota West Digital Banking today and enroll in SavvyMoney®.
Meet Your Go-To for Life’s Big Purchases: Ruth Comstock
Conoce a Tu Aliada para las Grandes Compras de la Vida: Ruth Comstock
She’s Turning Financial Milestones into Member Wins in Watford City Convierte Logros Financieros en Éxitos para Nuestros Miembros en Watford City
“Helping someone finance their first car or dream boat never gets old—especially when you can make the process feel simple and empowering.”
“Ayudar a alguien a financiar su primer auto o el barco de sus sueños nunca envejece—especialmente cuando puedo hacer que el proceso sea simple y empoderador.”
Born and raised in Central Texas, Ruth is no stranger to big moves—and making them count. In 2020, she and her family traded Kentucky’s hills for the wide-open skies of Watford City, where she quickly found a new purpose at Dakota West Credit Union.
Nacida y criada en el centro de Texas, Ruth no es ajena a los grandes cambios—y sabe cómo hacer que valgan la pena. En 2020, ella y su familia dejaron las colinas de Kentucky por los amplios cielos de Watford City, donde pronto encontró una nueva misión en Dakota West Credit Union.
Starting as a Member Service Representative, Ruth quickly grew into a trusted Consumer Loan Officer, known for making members feel understood, supported, and ready to take on their next chapter with confidence.
Comenzando como Representante de Servicio al Miembro, Ruth ascendió rápidamente a ser una Oficial de Préstamos de Consumo confiable, conocida por hacer que los miembros se sientan comprendidos, apoyados y listos para comenzar su próximo capítulo con confianza.
She also brings a unique strength to the team: Ruth speaks Spanish, allowing her to assist Spanish-speaking members with ease, clarity, and care.
Ruth también aporta una fortaleza única al equipo: ella habla español, lo que le permite asistir a miembros que hablanespañol con facilidad, claridad y atención personalizada.
Ruth Brings Heart, Hustle, and a Lot of Life Experience
Ruth Aporta Corazón, Energía y Mucha Experiencia de Vida
With four daughters, a passion for the outdoors, and a deep love for the Watford City community, Ruth is more than a lender—she’s a neighbor who truly gets it.
Con cuatro hijas, una pasión por la naturaleza y un profundo amor por la comunidad de Watford City, Ruth es más que una prestamista—es una vecina que realmente entiende a las personas.
When she’s not working on loan approvals, you’ll find Ruth hiking through Theodore Roosevelt National Park with her husband or helping plan the La Posada celebration with the Hispanic Advocacy of North Dakota—an event close to her heart.
Cuando no está trabajando en aprobaciones de préstamos, encontrarás a Ruth explorando el Parque Nacional Theodore Roosevelt con su esposo o ayudando a planificar la celebración de La Posada junto con la Abogacía Hispana de Dakota del Norte—un evento muy cercano a su corazón.
She’s the kind of loan officer who remembers your goals, celebrates your wins, and explains every step in a way that just makes sense.
Es el tipo de oficial de préstamos que recuerda tus metas, celebra tus logros y explica cada paso de una manera que realmente tiene sentido.
Ruth Can Help With:
🚗 Consumer Loans – Cars, campers, boats, or that “finally!” upgrade 🏡 Home Equity Lines (HELOCs) – Tap into your home’s value for flexible funds 💬 Personalized Support – Real guidance, with none of the jargon
Ruth Puede Ayudarte Con:
🚗 Préstamos de Consumo – Autos, rvs, botes o esa mejora que tanto esperabas 🏡 Líneas de Crédito con Garantía Hipotecaria (HELOCs) – Usa el valor de tu hogar para obtener fondos flexibles 💬 Apoyo Personalizado – Orientación real, sin jerga complicada
It’s Not Just a Loan—It’s a Launchpad
Whether it’s your first big purchase or your fifth, Ruth is here to help you move forward with clarity, trust, and zero pressure.
No Es Solo un Préstamo—Es Tu Plataforma de Lanzamiento
Ya sea tu primera gran compra o la quinta, Ruth está aquí para ayudarte a avanzar con claridad, confianza y sin ninguna presión.
🔶 Ready to Get Started? Connect with Ruth Today 🔶 ¿Lista o listo para comenzar? Conéctate con Ruth hoy mismo
