Pathward, a national bank focused on financial access, released the list of winners of the Pathward Scholars Program in collaboration with the Arizona Community Foundation today. The Pathward Scholars Program provides funding to students pursuing post-secondary education, which they can use to help cover the cost of dependent care. Under the administration of the Arizona Community Foundation, Pathward awards scholarships annually.
“About one in five college students is a parent or a guardian, and many of them face obstacles going to college and graduating because of the time constraints and expenses associated with dependent care,” Anthony Sharett, president of Pathward, who previously served on ACF’s board of directors, said. “We aim to help these students achieve their academic goals and are pleased to collaborate with Arizona Community Foundation by offering up to $100,000 in scholarships annually through the Pathward Scholars Fund.”
This year’s exemplary Pathward Scholars winners are:
- McKenzie Atkinson, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- April Beltran, Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona
- Serena Biganzoli, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Elizabeth Cripps, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Abigail Espinoza, Rio Saldao Community College, Tempe, Arizona
- Ashley Knight, Colorado State University Global, Denver, Colorado
- Troy McCourt, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Cameron Murphy, Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona
- Kiralee Ruck, Rio Saldao Community College, Tempe, Arizona
- Shekesha Shelton, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Matthew Shrum, Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama
- Dieeuv Truong, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Elisa Valencia, Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, Arizona
- Ana West, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Sierra Wiggins, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida
“I’m so thankful for this scholarship, as it eases the financial stress of pursuing my education. It allows me to stay focused on my studies while still taking care of my family, and it gives me hope for the future we’re working toward together,” McCourt said.
“Being a Pathward scholarship recipient allows me to continue to excel in my studies while pursuing higher education, as an adult learner with dependents. I am a non-traditional student who juggles being an involved parent, holding down two jobs, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, being involved in my community while striving towards my dreams,” Shelton said. “I am very grateful for the extra support during my academic journey and know that once I complete my double major, I will be in a better position professionally, will have more financial freedom and will support education equity in various contexts.”
