NLC Student Timothy Rios Receives Chime Scholars Foundation Award

Timothy Rios, NLC student, has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.

Rios is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing at Northeast Lakeview College  (NLC). He will complete his coursework in Spring 2027 and plans to continue to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Technology in cloud Computing at Northwest Vista College. Rios chose to pursue Cloud Computing because of the ever-changing landscape that comes with AI. Ultimately, he hopes to work locally as a Cloud Systems Administrator at a major facility managing and securing the infrastructure that powers systems like Microsoft Azure. He will work with the servers and networks that house the large amount data companies depend on daily.  

“As I am currently a full-time student, I have taken a small step back from some of my work duties to ensure I have time for both scholastic and career endeavors,” Rios says. “As a recipient of the Chime Workforce Scholarship, I can continue to meet my financial needs and have the added cushion of support so I can devote 100% of my energy to carving a path for a successful future.”

"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish."

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

“As a non-traditional student pursuing a degree in a field that is different from my past career, it is imperative to have the support of others,” Rios added.  “School organizations and honor societies such as PTK exist for this very reason.”

About Chime Scholars Foundation

Chime (Nasdaq: CHYM) is a financial technology company founded on the premise that core banking services should be helpful, easy, and free. We offer a broad range of low-cost banking, payments, lending, and investing products that address the most critical financial needs of everyday people. Our member-aligned business model has helped millions of people to unlock financial progress^TM. Funds in Chime deposit accounts are FDIC-insured through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, up to applicable limits^*.

*Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. FDIC deposit insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.