For nearly four decades, Coast Central Credit Union has remained committed to investing in the next generation of community leaders. Continuing that tradition, the Credit Union’s Board of Directors recently approved $125,000 in scholarships for graduating high school seniors throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties. Each recipient will receive up to $5,000 over four years to help support their educational journey and future career aspirations.
“We’ve been proud to invest in the dreams and potential of the extraordinary young people in our communities pursuing higher education for close to 40 years,” said EVP and Chief Operating Officer Jasmin Gammel. “These scholarships reflect the powerful impact of people helping people, and we are deeply grateful to our members and volunteer Board of Directors whose continued support makes this level of community investment possible. Together, we’re helping build a stronger future for the communities we proudly serve.”
Recipients were chosen through a competitive application process that evaluated academic achievement, personal perseverance, community involvement, and each student’s demonstrated desire to create meaningful impact in the lives of others. Applicants also submitted essays reflecting on the challenges they have overcome and the goals that inspire them to pursue higher education. This year’s applicants represented a diverse group of students preparing to attend institutions including Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, California State University, Chico, and Shasta College.
The scholarship program is one of many ways Coast Central advances its mission of uplifting the communities it serves. Including scholarships, the Credit Union invests over $700,000 annually through community grants, sponsorships, and other local initiatives. Coast Central employees also continue to play an active role in giving back, contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community events across the region.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Chloe Hunt Arnold — McKinleyville High School
Riley Bayley — Hayfork High School
Abigail Bishop — Redwood Coast Montessori
Melody Brennan — Del Norte High School
Gabriela Cavinta — Arcata High School
Amira Churchill — Trinity High School
Bridgette Drummond — South Fork High School
Morgan Ray Etter — McKinleyville High School
Tey-met-tret Hostler — Hoopa Valley High School
Olivia Lane — McKinleyville High School
Mako Limon — Fortuna High School
Izzabella Logan-Miguelena — Hoopa Valley High School
Aurora Mitchell — Del Norte High School
Kendra Murrell — McKinleyville High School
Lilyan Newell — Fortuna High School
Yadira Olmendo-Rodriguez — Del Norte High School
Wey-se-naw O’ta-ley-wa-lu — Hoopa Valley High School
Aaliyah Pelayo — Eureka High School
Tanner Pidgeon — Ferndale High School
Yoselin Pimentel — Fortuna High School
Jaiden Pippa — Hoopa Valley High School
Karen Pozos-Dominguez — Academy of the Redwoods
Sierra Rose Roberts — Arcata High School
About Coast Central Credit Union
Coast Central Credit Union is the largest member-owned financial institution in the area, with over $2.3 billion in assets and operating 11 Member Services Branches throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties, including McKinleyville, open six days a week, and Bayshore Mall, open seven days a week. Members have access to a network of 30,000 free CO-OP ATMs nationwide. Individuals and businesses in the three counties may bank at Coast Central by visiting coastccu.org/join. Guided by our mission of being the values-driven partner uniquely rooted in uplifting YOU, Coast Central Credit Union provides exceptional financial services to its more than 80,000 members.