LAS VEGAS, NV (April 29, 2025) |
As part of Clark County Credit Union’s (CCCU) ongoing commitment to support the community beyond financial services, CCCU has awarded $1,000 Smart Start Scholarships to ten exceptional students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and a passion for giving back.
The Smart Start Scholarship program showcases CCCU’s dedication to empowering Southern Nevada students in their pursuit of higher education. By supporting these bright young individuals, CCCU continues its mission of investing in the future of its members and the community.
The awardees of this year's scholarship are:
- Alexander Gonzales: University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Mechanical Engineering in Environmental Engineering 2. Amaya Williams: Chamberlain College of Nursing – Nursing
- Asha Talim: Dartmouth College – Biological Sciences Minor in Public Policy
- Brooke Daimonji: University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Biological Sciences
- Isaiah Green: Rice University – Neuroscience
- Kiran Talim: Vanderbilt University – Molecular and Cellular Biology Minor in Medicine, Health and Society 7. Luci Szczubiala: Oregon State University – Environmental Engineering
- Sebastian Rios: University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Criminal Justice and Political Science (Double Major) 9. Spencer Ladd: Utah Valley University – Nursing
- Xavier Corralejo: Mississippi State University – Mechanical Engineering
“At CCCU, we believe in the power of education and the impact it has on shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Matt Kershaw, CEO at CCCU. “These students have worked hard to pursue their dreams, and we are proud to provide some additional financial support. CCCU is here to help them take the next step in their education and future success.”
This year, applicants were asked to answer this essay prompt, “A recent report found 16 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 with a credit record had debt in collections—an indicator that many are struggling to make ends meet. As a young adult navigating today's economy, how do you plan to manage your finances to avoid financial hardship? What role does budgeting, technology, credit awareness, and education play in building a stable financial future for yourself and your community?”
Sebastian Rios, one of this year’s Smart Start Scholarship winner shared in his essay, “While others may be spending unnecessarily, I will be budgeting and making affordable choices, such as learning recipes and watching films at home instead of their more costly alternatives. The major goal of this saving would be to maintain a healthy rainy-day fund to ensure that in case of an emergency, I am able to sustain myself for some time until other income opportunities can be identified.”
This thoughtful perspective is something many individuals can relate to, no matter the age. Whether just starting out or well into their financial journey, the importance of mindful spending, saving, and preparing for the unexpected resonates across generations—and it’s exactly the kind of mindset CCCU aims to encourage through programs like the Smart Start Scholarship.
The scholarship program is one of the many ways CCCU uplifts and empowers the next generation. By investing in education, CCCU helps open doors for students to chase their dreams and create lasting change in their communities. We look forward to continuing this tradition of support.
