Desert Financial Credit Union, the official banking partner of NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association, has made a transformative commitment to student success through the new Scores for Scholarships fund. With a pledge of more than $333,000, the endowed fund will provide up to five annual scholarships for Arizona undergraduates whose families fall below the state’s median household income. Each award helps cover essential costs of attendance—tuition, books, housing, transportation, and other basic needs—and one scholarship each year is reserved for a Lumberjack student-athlete.
For sociology major Layla Arcega, ’26, the scholarship provided relief at a critical time. As a transfer student from Arizona Western College, she is pursuing both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in NAU’s accelerated program. “When I received a notification of the scholarship, I genuinely was like, ‘There is no way,’” Arcega says. “It’s giving me peace of mind and easing my financial stress and anxiety.”
Her ambitions are rooted in family and community. “My parents are immigrants, and neither of them were able to pursue higher education,” she explains. Inspired by their experience, Arcega hopes to pursue law or nonprofit work serving immigrant and underserved communities. She is already taking steps in that direction through NAU’s Community University Public Inquiry program, where she collaborates on research to support immigrant families.
Corey Johnson, ’27, a health sciences–fitness wellness major and football player described the award as equally pivotal.
“This scholarship is a huge part of helping me reach my goals. It provides the financial support I need to stay focused on my education and athletics without constantly worrying about how I’m going to afford school,” he says.
By reducing financial barriers, Desert Financial’s investment allows students like Arcega and Johnson to focus on their studies, pursue their passions, and build bright futures.
“Desert Financial’s partnership with NAU Athletics and NAU Alumni Association is built on a shared commitment to student success,” says Jeff Meshey, president and CEO of Desert Financial.
“Scores for Scholarships reflects our mission to remove financial barriers and empower students to achieve academic, personal, and professional goals.”
