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2026 CCA Scholarship Recipients

Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA), proud sponsor of Consumers Credit Union (CCU), is proud to recognize the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Program. This year, the program provided more than $58,000 in scholarships to 15 students, including 13 pursuing college degrees and 2 pursuing trade school certifications, helping them take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals. Several recipients were selected for scholarships established in honor of past leaders whose dedication, service, and commitment helped shape the organization and the communities it serves.

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 CurbeloMakor: 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 Scholarship Loan Debt Grant Recipients

Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA), proud sponsor of Consumers Credit Union (CCU), is proud to highlight the impact of its 2026 Student Loan Debt Grant Program. This new program provided more than $39,500 in grants to four recipients, helping ease the burden of student loan debt. Three recipients received enough funding to completely pay off their remaining student loan balances, while a fourth recipient significantly reduced their student loan debt, lowering their remaining balance by nearly half. Through programs like this, CCA and CCU remain committed to supporting financial well-being and creating a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

2026 Financial Literacy Grant Recipients

To Be Announced.