Educational Philanthropy Initiatives by Hughes Federal Credit Union for a Brighter Tomorrow

Educational philanthropy is essential for shaping the future of young individuals, and Hughes Federal Credit Union plays a leading role in this mission in Southern Arizona. By providing targeted financial assistance and prioritizing financial literacy, Hughes is working to make higher education more attainable for students in the community. Their enhanced scholarship program is a meaningful investment in the leaders of tomorrow, offering crucial support at a time when educational costs continue to rise.

The Hughes Federal Credit Union’s Roberta Reeves Scholarship Program is celebrating a remarkable milestone—20 years of helping students along their educational paths. To mark this anniversary, Hughes has increased its total scholarship funds to an impressive $20,000, allowing ten deserving high school seniors to each receive $2,000 towards their higher education aspirations. This significant increase is a testament to the credit union’s deepening commitment to educational philanthropy in Southern Arizona.

This scholarship program, named after long-serving board member Roberta Reeves, has specific eligibility criteria to ensure that it supports committed students who are planning for their futures. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in 2025 and planning to attend a college, university, trade school, or certification program. Furthermore, students need to be primary members of Hughes Federal Credit Union. To apply, students are invited to showcase their financial literacy through either a 500- to 750-word essay or a 1- to 2-minute video that highlights essential financial habits for young people, promoting thoughtful engagement with practical money management concepts.

The influence of the Roberta Reeves Scholarship Program goes far beyond just the financial aid it provides. Since its inception in 2005, Hughes Federal Credit Union has invested over $100,000 into students’ educational journeys, establishing a lasting legacy of support for the youth of Southern Arizona. This significant investment highlights the credit union’s belief that education serves as one of the most powerful pathways to success and opportunity for young members of the community.

Hughes’ dedication to fostering youth financial literacy goes beyond scholarships; it includes valuable resources like their MoneyCoach interactive modules that equip students with essential money management skills. Elisa Ross, vice president of marketing at Hughes, shared that increasing the scholarship amount “allows us to reach even more students with support that can make a difference during a pivotal time in their lives.” This approach to educational philanthropy aligns with Hughes Federal Credit Union’s broader mission of empowering future generations through both financial support and the knowledge necessary for making sound financial decisions throughout their lives.