For the first time, the program includes vocational, trade, technical, certificate, and licensure-based programs
Virginia Beach, VA - Chartway Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Directors' Memorial Scholarships. This year, Chartway expanded eligibility beyond traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs to include vocational, trade, technical, certificate, and licensure-based educational programs. In total, 13 student-members received $4,000 each in academic assistance. This scholarship program is part of the credit union's more than $1M annual commitment to the community in the form of scholarships, Chartway Promise Foundation grants, financial education, and crisis relief.
This year's recipients were selected based on financial need, academic or program performance, community involvement, a written or video essay, and a letter of recommendation:
- Aerin Call, (Utah) - Brigham Young University, Business Management
- Robert Cason, (Va.) - George Mason University, Accounting & Finance
- Lucy Christensen, (Utah) - Brigham Young University, Nursing
- Sydney Fayton, (Va.) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Amy Gutierrez, (Texas) - Texas A&M University, Civil Engineering
- Naomi Lopez, (Utah) - Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University, Finance
- Lyric Parham, (Va.) - Virginia Commonwealth University, Psychology
- Lekita Powell, (Va.) - ECPI, Nursing
- Adriana Rzayeva, (Texas) - University of Houston, Political Science
- Aisha Rush, (Texas) - Ultimate Medical Academy, Medical Billing and Coding
- Leilani Smith, (Va.) - Regent University, Government
- Celeste Wise, (Va.) - George Mason University, Kinesiology
- Gabrielle Young, (Mich.) - University of Michigan, PhD; Health Behavior and Health Equity
"Our scholarship program expansion reflects a simple belief - education can open doors, strengthen families, and help people build the future they imagine for themselves," said Brian Schools, president and CEO of Chartway Credit Union. "Some pursue college degrees and others build careers through trade, technical, certificate, or licensure-based programs. We're proud to support student-members across those pathways and help them take the next step toward their goals."
Created in 1989, the Directors' Memorial Scholarship program supports members who are graduating high school seniors, current college students, or participating in a vocational, trade, technical, certification, or licensure program, and returning students pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $680,000 to Chartway members seeking financial assistance to pursue their educational and professional goals.
In addition to the Directors' Memorial Scholarship, Chartway supports student success through financial wellness resources, student-focused products and services, a paid summer internship program, annual support of $25,000 for Old Dominion University's Athletic Scholarship Fund in Norfolk, Va., and $10,000 in ESL (English as a Second Language) scholarships for students at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at www.Chartway.com.
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About Chartway
Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $3.2 billion credit union proudly serves more than 265,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We've been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker's Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Driving innovation for the future of financial services, Chartway Ventures, a wholly owned credit union service organization (CUSO), invests in technology and innovative financial solutions that create value for Chartway members and the credit union industry. Reflecting a bright way forward, Chartway Promise Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has granted $17 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.