Here’s something worth celebrating: eleven Southern Nevada high school seniors are about to get a serious boost toward their college dreams, courtesy of Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU) and the People Over Profit (POP) Foundation.
These students aren’t just getting a one-time check and a pat on the back. Each recipient will receive $3,500 for the upcoming fall semester, and here’s where it gets even better—the renews annually for up to four years. Do the math, and that’s $14,000 per student. Multiply that by eleven winners, and you’re looking at $156,000 in total scholarship power heading into Nevada communities.
This isn’t SSSCU’s first rodeo when it comes to supporting students. Since 1989, the credit union has handed out more than $1.4 million in scholarships. That’s a lot of textbooks, late-night study sessions, and graduation caps tossed into the air.
The POP Foundation Scholarship Program doesn’t just look at GPAs (though academic excellence definitely matters). They’re hunting for the whole package: leadership, volunteerism, and a genuine commitment to making their communities better. Each scholarship carries the name of a past SSSCU Board member, executive, or the POP Foundation itself—a way of honoring those who built the foundation while investing in those who’ll build the future.
“Behind every scholarship is a story of personal resolve, growth, and greatness in the making,” said Scott A. Arkills, President and CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union. “These students inspire us to aim higher, too. We are honored to be a small part of their bright futures. Our scholarship recipients don’t just chase their dreams—they redefine what’s possible.”
The winners got their moment in the spotlight during SSSCU’s Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Here’s the full roster of 2026 scholarship recipients:
- Louisa Christy – Arlene Parkinson Scholarship
- Tucker Lile – Bart Roche Scholarship
- Addyson Garcia – Leonard Petoske Scholarship
- Joy Hodsdon – William Moore Scholarship
- Ishan Abraham – Terry Mannion Scholarship
- Miley Nobles – Harold McKay Scholarship
- Amber Prum – Andrew Hunter Scholarship
- Tek Malasek – Joyce Woodhouse Scholarship
- Caitlyn De Battista – Teresa Yeoman Scholarship
- Alexis Adams – POP Foundation Scholarship
- Hal Thompson – POP Foundation Scholarship
Beyond scholarships, SSSCU keeps its foot on the gas when it comes to educational support. They’re working with Clark County School District, charter and private schools, and the Nevada System of Higher Education to expand access to educational resources, digital learning tools, and financial literacy programs. Because knowing how to budget that scholarship money? That’s just as important as earning it in the first place.