Scholarships 

2025 U.S. Eagle Scholarship Opportunities!

The 2025 application period closed on September 30th.

Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients:

Hailey Thomas

Yá’át’ééh! Hailey Thomas is Diné and from Lukachukai, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. She graduated from Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington and is currently studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Her goal is to design sustainable electrical systems that bring reliable power to Native communities while expanding global access to clean energy. As a Navajo woman in STEM, Hailey strives to bridge modern innovation with cultural values, creating balance between tradition and technology.

Jesus Pacheco

Jesus Santiago Pacheco was born and raised in Albuquerque and graduated with honors from Cibola High School in 2020. Raised by a single parent, he is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and hopes to attend medical school to serve the Diné people as a doctor. Since high school, Jesus has been a proud member of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union, where he learned valuable lessons about fiscal responsibility and protecting himself from financial scams. He is currently completing his B.A. in Chemistry at the University of New Mexico, with plans to graduate in Spring 2026. Jesus is honored to receive the 2025 U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union Scholarship, which will help him achieve his academic and career goals.

Chloe Montoya

Chloe Montoya is a scholar, leader, and athlete. She served as president of both the Social Action Club and the Bible Study Club, a member of Student Government, and volunteers with Los Ojos de La Familia. A five-year letterman in Cross Country and Track & Field, she has earned multiple district and state titles. Chloe is now attending the University of California, Los Angeles to study Psychology to begin her career in child development.

Zangela Mercure

Zangela Mercure is from a small town in Northern New Mexico and graduated from Escalante High School. She enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Zangela is attending the University of New Mexico to study Exercise Science and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Diontaye Riley

Diontaye Riley is a Native American scholar from the Pueblo of Laguna and is currently in his second year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Forest Wildlife & Law Enforcement. His lifelong passion for the outdoors—fishing, camping, off-road driving, and hiking—has shaped his academic and career goals. Diontaye plans to use his degree to build a career in conservation, serving as a New Mexico Game and Fish Warden or in a similar role within the Forest Service.

Hannah Aranda

Hannah Aranda is earning her dual degree in Biology and Psychology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and plans to pursue a PhD in preclinical neuroscience and molecular pharmacology. Her experiences in research have strengthened her love for science and her compassion for the animals that make it possible. This inspired her to create a business dedicated to rehoming laboratory animals and giving them the care, respect, and second chance they deserve. Hannah credits her father as one of her greatest role models; his unwavering belief in her, even when she doubted herself, taught her the power of resilience and perseverance. His encouragement to get back up and try again continues to drive her forward, shaping both her scientific journey and her commitment to creating a kinder world for all living beings.