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Silver State Schools Credit Union & the People Over Profit (POP) Foundation award $80,000 in scholarships to ten Southern Nevada High School Seniors

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 28, 2025) |

Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU), in partnership with its charitable arm, the People Over Profit (POP) Foundation, proudly announces the ten recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Program. These exceptional Southern Nevada High School Seniors will each receive a $2,000 scholarship for the upcoming fall semester—renewable annually for up to four years, totaling up to $8,000 per student.

Since 1989, SSSCU has awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships to support the educational journeys of Nevada students. The POP Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to community service. Each scholarship is named in honor of current and past members of the SSSCU Board of Directors, Executives, as well as the POP Foundation itself.

“Our scholarship recipients don’t just chase their dreams—they redefine what’s possible. We’re proud of their many accomplishments thus far and we are pleased to invest in their future successes.” said Scott A. Arkills, President/CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union.

“Behind every scholarship is a story of personal resolve, growth, and greatness in the making. These students inspire us to aim higher, too. We are honored to be a small part of their bright futures.”

The recipients were formally recognized during SSSCU’s Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

  • Kenzie Gittens – Arlene Parkinson Scholarship
  • Alexander Vakov – Bart Roche Scholarship
  • Jonathan Dayton – Leonard Petoske Scholarship
  • Maia O'Toole – William Moore Scholarship
  • Savanna Truax – Terry Mannion Scholarship
  • Adam Gochnour – Harold McKay Scholarship
  • Sabrina Colacicchi – Andrew Hunter Scholarship
  • William Gochnour – Joyce Woodhouse Scholarship
  • Sebastian Gustavo Rios – Teresa Yeoman Scholarship
  • Gracelynn Williams – POP Foundation Scholarship

Through its ongoing efforts, Silver State Schools Credit Union continues to expand access to educational resources, scholarships, digital learning tools, and Financial Literacy and Financial Wellness initiatives in partnership with Clark County School District, Charter and Private Schools, and the Nevada System of Higher Education.

POP Foundation

Recognizing the positive impacts of its employees, the Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU) Board of Directors and its Executive Team established the Silver State Schools CU People Over Profit (POP) Foundation, a Nevada nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization in 2019. As the charitable arm of SSSCU, the POP Foundation strives to elevate education and Financial Literacy by providing Southern Nevada students and educators with tools, resources, and access to build a better future by educating, empowering, and enhancing our community for the common good. From partnering with like-minded local nonprofit organizations, to uncovering unmet needs within our community, we are eager to do more for Southern Nevada students and educators. When you donate to the Silver State Schools CU People Over Profit (POP) Foundation, your financial support enables us to put funds toward bettering the lives of the education community. To give a tax-deductible donation and make a lasting difference in the life of a child, or learn more about the POP Foundation, please visit popfoundation.com.

Contact

Sal Carrera
Director of Development
Silver State Schools CU People Over Profit Foundation
scarrera@popfoundationlv.org
702.661.1276

Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU)

Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU), founded in 1951, is a State-Chartered financial co-operative Prioritizing People Over Profit. The Credit Union serves over 63,000 members of the educational community, as well as the Southern Nevada community at large and their families, with ten branches in the valley. SSSCU provides “Excellent Member Service and Financial Solutions – For Life!” via a wide range of banking products, that are simple, secure, and convenient. As of December 31st, 2024, SSSCU reported Total Assets of $1.250 Billion, Deposits of $1.157 Billion, and Loans of $898 Million. Liquidity remains strong at $145 Million, and the Credit Union is well-capitalized with a Regulatory Net Worth of $117 Million, equal to 9.34% of Total Assets. Accounts are insured up to $500,000. American Share Insurance insures each account up to $250,000. Excess Share Insurance Corporation provides up to an additional $250,000 of insurance per account. This institution is not federally insured. For more information, visit silverstatecu.com.

Contact

Manuel Contreras
V.P. of Marketing
702.661.1271
MContreras@silverstatecu.com

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