Oro Valley Voice

Educational philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping the futures of young people, and Hughes Federal Credit Union stands at the forefront of this important mission in Southern Arizona. Through targeted financial support and a commitment to fostering financial literacy, Hughes is making higher education more accessible for local students. Their enhanced scholarship program represents a significant investment in the community’s future leaders, providing crucial assistance at a time when educational costs continue to rise.

The Hughes Federal Credit Union’s Roberta Reeves Scholarship Program has reached an impressive milestone, celebrating 20 years of supporting students in their educational journeys. In recognition of this anniversary, Hughes has doubled its total award amount to an impressive $20,000, enabling ten deserving high school seniors to each receive $2,000 toward their higher education goals. This substantial increase reflects the credit union’s deepening commitment to educational philanthropy in Southern Arizona.

Named in honor of long-serving board member Roberta Reeves, this scholarship program maintains specific eligibility requirements that ensure support reaches dedicated students planning their futures. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in 2025 who plan to enter a college, university, trade school, or certification program. Additionally, students must be primary members of Hughes Federal Credit Union. The application process invites students to demonstrate their financial literacy through either a 500- to 750-word essay or a 1- to 2-minute video exploring essential financial habits for young people, encouraging thoughtful engagement with practical money management concepts.

The impact of the Roberta Reeves Scholarship Program extends far beyond the immediate financial assistance it provides. Since its inception in 2005, Hughes Federal Credit Union has contributed more than $100,000 to students’ educational pursuits, creating a lasting legacy of support for Southern Arizona’s youth. This substantial investment demonstrates the credit union’s understanding that education represents one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity and success for young community members.

Hughes’ commitment to youth financial literacy extends beyond scholarships, incorporating resources like their MoneyCoach interactive modules that help students build crucial money management skills. Elisa Ross, vice president of marketing at Hughes, emphasized 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 reflects Hughes Federal Credit Union’s broader mission of empowering future generations through both direct financial support and the knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.