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Neighbors
5 Mesa students receive Desert Financial Foundation scholarships
Metro Connection
The Desert Financial Foundation has awarded $198,000 in scholarships to 62 Arizona students, including five Mesa students.
Posted
The Desert Financial Foundation has awarded $198,000 in scholarships to 62 Arizona students, including five Mesa students.
Chastity Gomez of Mesa received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. Gomez, who has been a licensed cosmetologist for more than 20 years, is working toward a degree in beauty and wellness so she can become a curriculum development specialist at cosmetology schools.
Jaqaia Mayberry of Mesa received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. She is studying nursing through the University of Arizona.
Maria Godinez of Mesa received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. This mother of three is working toward a degree in accounting.
Grace Guthrie of Mesa received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. The Dobson High School senior will attend Arizona State University in the fall.
Hazel Coe of Mesa received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. The Dobson High School senior will attend Arizona State University in the fall.
The students were selected for their commitment to volunteerism, determination to continue their education, and dedication to building better futures, according to a release.
The scholarship program includes Community Service Scholarships for high school seniors who volunteer in their communities, Adult Learners Scholarships for adults ages 25 or older who are pursuing certificates or degrees and Passion to Help Scholarships for dependents of Desert Financial team members who give back to their communities through volunteerism. Nearly 200 Arizona students applied.
Since launching the scholarship program in 2015, Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million to deserving students who are furthering their education to build brighter futures.
“We believe education is a powerful tool for improving financial wellness,” Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Foundation vice-chair, said in the release. “These scholarships are just one way we invest in people who are working hard to better their lives, families and communities.”
Each recipient was celebrated during the 2025 Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony held at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix on May 7, 2025. In addition to their scholarship awards, students received a gift basket from Desert Financial filled with items to support their educational journey, including Sony headphones, a Hydro Flask water bottle, an Uber gift card, snacks, and school supplies.
To learn about Desert Financial Foundation’s scholarship programs, visit DesertFinancial.com/Scholarships.
Founded in 2015, Desert Financial Foundation supports organizations and individuals in Arizona to strengthen financial capability through education and scholarships. To learn more about how Desert Financial Foundation gives back or to donate, visit DesertFinancial.com/Foundation.
