Nusenda selects Financial Education Innovation Award winners

Nusenda Credit Union has announced its 2025 Financial Education Innovation Award winners. These awards demonstrate the credit union’s longtime commitment to strengthening communities and investing in solutions that improve financial outcomes for the next generation.

“We are excited to recognize these innovative educators, organizations, and for the first time students who share our commitment to financial well-being,” said Michelle Dearholt, President and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union. “The creativity and passion from these winners are inspiring and play a vital role in building brighter financial futures. Whether it’s a classroom lesson, a community program, or a student demonstrating financial responsibility, these awardees are setting powerful examples of financial success with those around them.”

This year, Nusenda awarded a total of $47,000 across three categories:

• Student Awards: 12 students each received $1,000 scholarships

• Organization Awards: Three organizations were each awarded $10,000 grants

• Educator Award: One classroom teacher received a $5,000 grant

Film Las Cruces was one of the organization award recipients. It provides a 12-week internship program that gives aspiring filmmakers hands-on experience across production departments, marketing, and event organization. Interns learn financial literacy through budgeting for productions, understanding nonprofit structures, and leveraging New Mexico’s film incentives.

Twelve second-year post-secondary students each received $1,000 scholarships for demonstrating a strong personal commitment to financial well-being and serving as role models in their homes and communities.

Student recipients include Gordon Lee and Roman McAdams from New Mexico State University. Each student exemplified how individual dedication to financial responsibility can ripple outward, inspiring families and communities to build brighter financial futures.