North Star Credit Union (NSCU) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of area students who worked hard to earn their diplomas this year.

As part of its continued commitment to youth and financial education, NSCU awarded $6,000 in scholarships for the 2025–2026 school year. This year, the credit union doubled the value of its traditional scholarships from $500 to $1,000, increasing its investment in local students as they prepare to continue their education.

“Congratulations to each of this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Christie Kainwo, Regional Branch Manager at North Star Credit Union. “These students have worked hard to reach this milestone, and we’re proud to recognize their dedication and commitment to their future. At North Star Credit Union, we believe investing in education is one of the best ways we can invest in our communities. We hope these scholarships help our recipients pursue their goals with confidence while building a strong foundation for lifelong financial success.”

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

• $1,000 North Woods High School Scholarship – Isabel Pascuzzi
• $1,000 Nashwauk-Keewatin High School Scholarship – Ellie Wiskow
• $1,000 Rock Ridge High School Scholarship – River Galloway
• $1,000 Duluth Area Scholarship – Kalista Davis
• $1,000 Mountain Iron-Buhl High School Scholarship – Madeline Johnson
• $1,000 Field of Membership Scholarship – Victoria Mathys

For 39 years, North Star Credit Union has supported youth education through its scholarship program. Since awarding its first $300 scholarship in 1987 at the Cook branch, the credit union has continually expanded its investment in local students as it has grown throughout northeastern Minnesota.

The scholarship program has grown from a single award to scholarships available throughout the credit union’s service area, including students attending North Woods, Nashwauk-Keewatin, Rock Ridge, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Duluth-area schools, along with a Field of Membership scholarship that recognizes an outstanding applicant from across the credit union’s membership.

Supporting education extends far beyond scholarships for North Star Credit Union. Throughout the school year, employees partner with local schools to promote financial literacy through classroom presentations, student engagement activities and hands-on learning opportunities. Team members participate in I Love to Read Month, operate a student-run school branch at North Woods School, and provide age-appropriate financial education that helps students build lifelong money management skills.

The credit union’s commitment to financial education has earned both statewide and national recognition, including the Desjardins Financial Education Award and the Diamond Award for excellence in financial education programming and marketing.

By increasing the scholarship amount this year, North Star Credit Union continues its mission of helping young people build brighter futures. Whether through scholarships, classroom education or community partnerships, the credit union remains committed to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, confidence and resources needed to achieve lifelong financial success.