Twenty students across Los Angeles and Orange counties are each $1,000 richer thanks to the California Credit Union Foundation‘s annual scholarship program.
And these aren’t just kids who can ace a test—they’re the ones staying after school to tutor classmates, volunteering at food banks, and generally making the rest of us look bad in the best way possible.
The Foundation’s College Scholarship Program zeroes in on students who bring the whole package: solid grades, leadership chops, and a genuine commitment to lifting up their communities. You know, the overachievers who somehow manage to maintain a 4.0 while organizing fundraisers and still showing up for family dinner.
“Each year, we’re inspired by the drive and purpose these students bring to their education and their communities,” said Marvel Ford, President of the California Credit Union Foundation. “They’re not only pursuing their own goals, but also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We’re proud to support their continued success and the positive impact they will have in the years ahead.”
Translation? These kids are going places, and the Foundation is happy to help fuel the journey.
Meet This Year’s Winners
The 2026 scholarship recipients represent high schools and colleges from Carson to San Marino, proving that exceptional students are everywhere if you know where to look:
- Rosa Ayala – Ramon Cortines Visual and Performing Arts High School, Los Angeles
- Kylie Bailey – Iovine and Young Center IDTE Magnet, Carson
- Renu Dommeti – Burbank High School, Burbank
- Luc Esuibel – West High School, Torrance
- Christine Garcia – Mt. San Antonio College, San Dimas
- Peace Gbeworo – King Drew Magnet High School, Los Angeles
- Anaiyah Harris – Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, Gardena
- Nolan Ito – Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance
- Stephanie Ivy – California State University, Fullerton, Glendale
- Ashton Johnson – Susan Miller Dorsey High School, Los Angeles
- Saela Johnson – King Drew Magnet High School, Carson
- Advait Kaimal – Granada Hills Charter High School, Simi Valley
- Greta Larson – Culver City High School, Culver City
- Noel Marin – San Pedro High School, San Pedro
- Jonathan Mcphee – Valencia High School, Valencia
- Lucas Oishi – West High School, Torrance
- Kenya Okasisi – The SEED School of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles
- Anahi Plazola – Palisades Charter High School, Los Angeles
- Stephanie Ramos – Grover Cleveland Charter High School, Van Nuys
- James Toche – St. Francis High School, San Marino
Two Decades of Investing in Students
The California Credit Union Foundation launched this scholarship program back in 2005, and they’ve been at it ever since. The math is pretty impressive: more than $485,000 handed out to deserving students across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura counties over the years. That’s a lot of textbooks, tuition payments, and late-night coffee runs during finals week.
In a world that sometimes feels short on good news, programs like this are a solid reminder that investing in smart, community-minded young people is always money well spent.
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California Credit Union Foundation Awards 20 Scholarships to College-Bound Students