Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College student Lainey Romero has been awarded a Chime Workforce Scholarship through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.
Romero, who attends the Jackson County Campus and is majoring in Administrative Office Technology, is one of only 200 students nationwide selected to receive the $1,000 award. The scholarship recognizes high-achieving students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges and helps cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
“This scholarship will make a difference for me by helping pay for my schooling, so I don’t have to take out loans,” Romero said. “It also gives me confidence and shows me that I am seen and heard. My goal is to begin working as a bank teller in December and eventually advance to a position such as a loan officer.”
Romero is active on campus as a member of both the Honors College and Phi Theta Kappa.
The Chime Scholars Foundation, which funds the program, is the charitable arm of Chime, a financial technology company that partners with regional banks to provide fee-free mobile banking services. The foundation supports education initiatives such as scholarships, workforce training and trade school opportunities.
“We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” Chime Scholars Foundation Jeni Izuel said.
Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said the program was created to help students like Romero succeed.
“These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish,” Gorman said.
Learn more about the Chime Scholars Foundation here.
