Pathward Announces Pathward Scholars Program Winners

October 02, 2025 at 08:07 AM EDT

Pathward®, N.A., a national bank focused on financial access, announced the 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.

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Pathward, a national bank focused on financial access, announced the 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.

“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,” said Pathward President Anthony Sharett, who previously served on ACF’s board of directors. “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.”

Since the program’s inception in 2021, Pathward has awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships through the Pathward Scholars Fund. The program requires a minimum GPA and is open to all majors and programs. Students do not have to reside in or attend school in Arizona to apply.

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

When asked, here is what some of the scholarship recipients had to say...

“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.”

~ Troy McCourt

“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. 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."

~ Shekesha Shelton

Educational support is a pillar within Pathward’s Community Impact Program that supports the mission of increasing access to educational resources, mentorship, and tutoring for students.

Learn more about Pathward’s Community Impact Program at https://www.pathward.com/about-us/sustainability/.

About Pathward®

Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is focused on financial access and strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Partner Solutions and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

About Arizona Community Foundation

Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. With five regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $1.4 billion in trust and endowment assets and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal entities, and government agencies. More information is available at AzFoundation.org.