Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College student Lainey Romero, from the Jackson County Campus, has been awarded the Chime Workforce Scholarship by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Romero is one of only 200 students nationwide to receive the $1,000 award.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship recognizes high-achieving students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities at two-year colleges. The award helps defray the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses students may have as they complete a workforce-related certificate or associate degree program.

“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.

Romero, who is majoring in Administrative Office Technology, said the scholarship will make a meaningful impact on her education and future career goals.

“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. I am grateful for this support as I work toward those goals.”

Romero is active on campus as a member of both the Honors College and Phi Theta Kappa.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “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.”

The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) helps everyday people unlock financial progress and build a better future through higher education—whether that’s college, workforce training, or trade school. Learn more about CSF and Chime at Chime.com.