About Us
2026 CCA Scholarship Recipients
Aashna Kapoor
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Alina Thomas
Major: 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 Ekwonwa
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Illinois State University
Charlene Fatini - Kaarin Luhtala Honorary Scholarship
Major: Socio-Legal Studies
University of Denver
Claire Venisnik - Dorotha Betke Honorary Scholarship
Major: 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 Todd - Bill Reidel Memorial Scholarship
Major: Biological Services
Florida State University
Jamen Tchapda - Gayhart Silvola Honorary Scholarship
Major: 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 Curbelo
Major: 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 Pouska
Major: 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 Hill
Major: 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 Brewis
Major: 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 Schaefer - Ellen Sandvick Honorary Scholarship
Major: 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 Endashaw - Kathleen Crews Honorary Scholarship
Major: 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 Cabral - Trade School
Major: 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 Salgado - Trade School
Major: 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
James Buckwalter
Big Hollow School District 38Landon Bruni
Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative Dina Kessler
Waukegan District 60Heather Komac
Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65Meghan Lynn
Grayslake Community High School District 127Nominated:
- 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