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2026 CCA Scholarship Recipients

Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA), sponsor of Consumers Credit Union (CCU), is proud to help students take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals through our Scholarship Program.

This year, CCA’s program provided more than $58,000 in scholarships to 15 students, including 13 pursuing college degrees and two pursuing trade school certifications. Several recipients were selected for scholarships established in honor of past CCU leaders whose dedication, service and commitment helped shape the credit union and the communities we serve.

We’re delighted to recognize these recipients of our 2026 Scholarship Program.

Aashna KapoorMajor: Biomedical Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

I am excited to be studying Biomedical Engineering with a focus on Pre-Med. It has always been my dream to attend medical school upon my undergraduate graduation where I will study to become a surgeon.

Alina ThomasMajor: Biology (Direct BS/DO Program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine)

Elmhurst University

I am currently pursuing my education at Elmhurst University where I am affiliated with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in their Direct BS/DO Medical Early Acceptance Program. I am deeply passionate about medicine and am driven to become a physician who not only prioritizes academic goals and clinical experience but makes a meaningful impact on the well-being of others within my community.

Brian EkwonwaMajor: Molecular and Cellular Biology

Illinois State University

I am entering my sophomore year of college at Illinois State. I’m majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology on the Pre-Med track to achieve my goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Charlene FatiniMajor: Socio-Legal Studies

University of Denver

I love to help the communities. That is a reason I am pursuing Law. I am still learning, but I am considering Corporate Lawyer of AI and Machine Learning Law or Public interest Law. 

Clair VenisnikMajor: Finance and Risk Management & Insurance

Butler University

I'm a rising junior hoping to study abroad in Rome, Italy. I believe this experience, coupled with my classes, will best prepare me for a career in financial advising, where I can live and work in the community I grew up in.

Danielle ToddMajor: Biological  Services

Florida State University

My goal is to complete my undergraduate education and attend medical school to become a pediatrician. I aspire to open my own practice focused on serving low-income families, providing compassionate and accessible care to children in underserved communities. Ultimately, I hope to make a lasting impact by improving both the health and well-being of the families I serve.

Jamen TchapdaMajor: General Studies - STEM

Howard Community College

I'm interested in studying biology and psychology, specifically a program that integrates both, like cognitive science. I'm super interested in pursuing research, studying abroad, mastering French and exploring organizations that are foreign to me! I plan to use my degree to pursue a higher education in hopes of becoming a pediatrician-scientist. 

Jonathan CurbeloMajor: Education and Economics

Northwestern University

As a first-generation, low-income student, my goal is to use the opportunities at my university to give back to my community and especially my family. As a future educator, I want to follow in the footsteps of the educators who have had an impact on my life and be able to do the same for the next generation. Overall, I seek to leave behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and dedication in my career and life.

Kendall PouskaMajor: Communications

Iowa State University

I plan to attend Iowa State University, major in communications, and participate in the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program. I intend to become an attorney with the goal of helping others and overall making the world a better and more fair place.

Noreen HillMajor: Physical Education

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

I am planning on studying physical education at UW-Stevens Point. My career goal is to become a YMCA camp director, so I can create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and accepted!

Shaun BrewisMajor: Biochemistry

Case Western Reserve University

As I progress in my journey, I hope to build and support a loving family. I personally aspire to become an emergency medicine physician where I can make a real difference in lives. Fulfilling these two goals is my dream in life.

Stephanie SchaeferMajor: Secondary History Education

Marquette University

My goal for the future is to graduate Marquette and teach an inclusive and welcoming High School History class. I hope to one day get my Masters in Education, and continuously grow in my knowledge, staying aware of the best practices and being the best teacher I can be.

Yohanna EndashawMajor: Neuroscience, Global Health and Health Policy

Harvard College

I am a Neuroscience concentrator with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, and I plan to attend medical school to become a Neurologist or OB/GYN and serving under‑resourced populations. My research on health disparities and my poetry practice both are forms of advocacy. Ultimately, I want to bridge clinical care, community health, and storytelling to make healthcare more equitable and human.

Francisco CabralMajor: Barber

Premier Barber Academy

Now that I’ve finished barber school, one of my biggest personal goals is to build a strong and loyal clientele and become a consistently booked barber. I want to work hard, sharpen my skills, and save enough money to eventually open my own barber shop and move out on my own. Educationally, I also want to continue learning by possibly going back to barber school to earn my instructor’s license or a cosmetology license, or even attend College of Lake County to study business. In the long run, my career goal is to never stop learning, keep growing, and take full advantage of everything this industry has to offer. Hopefully, one day I can transition from just cutting hair to owning multiple barber shops and maybe even investing in real estate.

Carlos SalgadoMajor: HVAC

College of Lake County

I’m eager to earn my HVAC certification and make a meaningful impact by delivering quality work that improves people’s lives. I’m drawn to a field that’s always evolving with new technology and continuous learning. My long-term goal is to build my own business, driven by the satisfaction of enhancing comfort and health in homes and workplaces.

2026 Student Loan Debt Grant Recipients

CCA’s new Student Loan Debt Grant Program is designed to help ease the burden of student loan debt. This year, we provided more than $39,500 in grants to four recipients; three received enough funding to pay off their remaining student loan balances, while the fourth was able to cut their balance by nearly half.

2026 Financial Literacy Champion Grant Recipients

At CCU, we're rewarding educators who teach the ABCs of money. Our Financial Literacy Champion Grants are designed to recognize teachers who demonstrate dedication to educating students on financial wellness and go above and beyond to create engaging curriculum.
James BuckwalterBig Hollow School District 38
Ingleside, IL 

8th Grade Social Studies

Twice a month, my 8th grade students engage with economics and financial literacy as part of our "Financial Friday" curriculum. On these days, we take a break from the normal routine to spotlight practical financial literacy skills that students will need in the future, like understanding the numbers in a paycheck; saving, spending, and investing; and borrowing money to buy a house. With all the demands placed on teachers and schools, these are the types of skills that often fall through the cracks because they do not fit neatly into one particular content area.
Landon BruniMid-Valley Special Education Cooperative 
St. Charles, IL 

Mid-Valley Transition Program

I serve as a case manager/vocational coordinator supporting young adults ages 18–22 with disabilities as they prepare for adulthood through classroom instruction, community-based learning, vocational experiences, and independent living skills. Financial literacy is a key part of our program, where students learn to create budgets, track spending, and make informed financial decisions through real-world experiences. I also developed an interactive financial situations board game that helps students understand expected and unexpected expenses while exploring how everyday choices impact their financial future. My goal is to help students build the confidence and skills needed to become financially responsible and independent adults.
Dina KesslerWaukegan District 60
Waukegan, IL 

Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Future Educators to 11th and 12th graders

I have been teaching personal finance for 23 years, with the past 20 years at Waukegan High School. I want my students to understand that by being in control of your money, you can be in control of your life. I try to instill the need to budget and save for the future now, because the power of compound interest will change their lives. I also teach Entrepreneurship and Sports and Entertainment Marketing, along with a course for future educators.  
Heather KomacLake Bluff Elementary School District 65
Lake Bluff, IL 

7th and 8th grade Math and Math Practical Applications 

I have been teaching for 32 years, and I have always been passionate about making sure that students see the why behind the what that they learn in math. I always tried to work in financial lessons when I could but when given the chance to create and teach the new applications course in our school, I knew this was a perfect chance to teach students in-depth skills! Financial literacy skills are the math that every adult will use, no matter what career or life path they follow!
Meghan LynnGrayslake Community High School District 127
Grayslake, IL 

9-12 Personal Finance

I'm a teacher who is passionate about helping students develop the financial knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions throughout their lives. In my Personal Finance classes, I focus on connecting financial concepts to real-world situations, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and responsible financial decision-making. I strive to make financial literacy practical and meaningful so students leave my classroom feeling more confident about managing their money and planning for their futures.
  • Anna McEvilly
  • Molly Lund
  • Julia Riemer
  • Emily Wittenberg
  • Sandra Mendoza
  • Yuretzy Garcia Romero
  • Paige Solesky
  • Kimberly Sweeney
  • Marvin Salalila
  • Michael Campbell
  • Seong Ha
  • Chayla Baer
  • Brooke Pieper
  • Luke Herrington
  • Mark Zavala
  • Victoria Therriault
  • William Pitcher
  • Jennifer Kilmer
  • Tomeika Jones
  • Jacqueline Bello
  • Matt Eklund
  • Christy Pflueger
  • Sara Burja
  • Brittany Brooke
  • Bonnie Strejc
  • Donna Yehl
  • Melanie Albaum
  • Eric Niesen