College of Southern Nevada student Alecia Lopez has been selected as an inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholar, earning a $1,000 scholarship from the Chime Scholars Foundation.
Lopez is one of 200 community college students nationwide recognized with this honor. Chime Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, campus engagement, leadership potential, and career readiness. In total, the foundation awarded $200,000 to support students enrolled in workforce-ready programs.
For Lopez, the recognition marks a significant step toward her career goal of becoming an event planner and, one day, building her own business. She is currently studying Hospitality, where she combines her organizational skills and creativity to design experiences that bring people together.
“I’m passionate about creating events that leave lasting memories,” Lopez said. “I want to craft experiences that connect with people and inspire joy and community.”
The scholarship will help Lopez cover educational costs, including expenses tied directly to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms, and tools. Unlike many traditional scholarships, the Chime Workforce Scholarship is designed to support students preparing for careers that require more than classroom learning.
The Chime Scholars Foundation created the program in partnership with Phi Theta Kappa to ensure community college students have access to resources that allow them to fully prepare for their professions. Whether covering tuition, paying for textbooks, or securing the supplies needed to land a first job, the funding helps remove barriers that can stand between students and their career goals.
For Lopez, the scholarship is more than financial assistance—it’s an investment in her future as a community leader. As she continues her studies, she is focused on developing the skills that will allow her to design events that uplift others and strengthen connections.
The Chime Workforce Scholars program reflects a growing recognition of the role community colleges play in preparing students for today’s workforce. By investing in students like Lopez, the program highlights the importance of hands-on training, leadership development, and community engagement in building strong career pathways.
