Four from Gilbert earn scholarships from Desert Financial CU

Four Gilbert students received $3,000 scholarships from Desert Financial Credit Union in May.

In all, Desert Financial gave $192,000 in scholarships to students throughout t he state .

The four Gilbert students were:

Payton Kloepping, of Gilbert Classical Academy in Gilbert, received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. Kloepping plans to study exercise science at the University of Arizona. She volunteered 105 hours in 2023.

Conner Mason, of Williams Field High School in Gilbert, received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. Mason, who volunteered more than 180 hours in 2023, plans to attend Arizona State University in the Fall to study nursing.

Corianne Mason, of Gilbert, received a $3,000 Adult Learners Scholarship. She is attending Northern Arizona University to earn a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy.

Laura Rodela, of Gilbert, received a $3,000 Adult Learners Scholarship. She is studying cyber security at Northern Arizona University.

The scholarship program includes Community Service Scholarships for high school seniors who volunteer in their communities and Adult Learners Scholarships for adults ages 25 or older who are pursuing certificates or degrees.

Nearly 250 Arizona students applied for the 60 available scholarships.

“We are proud to have given away more than $1 million in scholarships to high school seniors and adult learners in the past eight years,” Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Foundation vice-chair, said in a release. “An educated workforce increases economic opportunity for everyone in our community — which is why supporting education has been a top priority at Desert Financial since its founding 85 years ago.”

Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships since it launched in 2015, with the goal of supporting students seeking to better their lives and financial situations through education.

Community Service Scholarships

Thirty high school seniors were awarded a total of $96,000 in Community Service Scholarships. More than 80 students, who completed a minimum of 50 hours of community service last year, applied for the scholarships.

“Engaging in community service activities has enriched my life in numerous ways and has shaped my character and values,” said Tolleson's Yaretzi Ortiz, who volunteered more than 775 hours in 2023. “I’ve developed skills that will be needed for the rest of my life including leadership, communication and organizational skills.”

In addition to completing the minimum 50 hours of community service, students were required to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, enroll in an Arizona college or university for the fall 2024 semester, demonstrate financial need and be, or be related to, a Desert Financial member to be eligible for the scholarships.

Combined, the community service scholarship recipients provided more than 4,100 hours of community service in 2023.

Adult Learners Scholarships

Of the nearly 160 applicants who applied for the Adult Learners Scholarship, 27 were selected to receive $3,000 scholarships. Three additional scholarship recipients were randomly selected for $5,000 awards. A total of $96,000 was given to the 30 recipients.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be aged 25 years or older; enrolled in or intending to enroll in an accredited Arizona college, university or certification program; and be a member of Desert Financial Credit Union.

“Being a newly single mother of four, continuing my education to provide a better life financially for my children is difficult,” said Cassandra Melendez of Glendale who is studying to be a nurse. “This scholarship will help take off some of the stress of having to pick up extra shifts to make ends meet for tuition costs.”

In addition to the scholarships, each recipient received a bag of gifts from the credit union, including an iPad, iPad case, Apple Pencil, snacks and other school supplies, to prepare them for their higher education experience.

The recipients celebrated their awards during the 2024 Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix on May 15.

Those interested in learning more about Desert Financial Foundation scholarship programs can visit DesertFinancial.com/Scholarships.