Meet the 2026 Smart Start Scholarship Winners

Create Credit Union is proud to announce this year’s Smart Start Scholarship recipients who receive $1,000 to their accredited university. This scholarship is designed to help them reach their financial goals and dreams. Students were selected based on academic achievement, community involvement and a demonstrated commitment to building a strong financial future.

The 2026 recipients listed below plan to pursue a wide range of fields, including healthcare, business, technology and arts:

1. Andre Dominic Lee: University of Las Vegas, Nevada - Computer Science
2. Aspen Larson: The College of Southern Nevada - Bachelor of Project Management
3. Campbell Cole: Brown University - Economics with emphasis in Business
4. Daemian Mizuo Quintanar: The College of Southern Nevada - Computer Science
5. Jodie L. Cruz Bengson: The College of Southern Nevada - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
6. Orlaina Wells: The College of Southern Nevada - Visual Arts
7. Osker Gamboa: Nevada State University - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
8. Ryan Pak: University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science in Biology
9. Sabrina Chamas: College of Southern Nevada - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
10. Savannah Heinz: University of Tampa - Advertising/PR with a minor in Leadership and Animation

The credit union congratulates this year’s Smart Start Scholarship winners and looks forward to their future success. Students can explore financial education resources through Banzai or visit www.createcu.org and select the Learn tab to access free calculators and articles.

Click here to read the full Smart Start Scholarship press release.

Banking with Confidence: Amir’s Story

Amir’s experience with Create Credit Union has been defined by support, accessibility, and encouragement from the very start. Through Create Credit Union’s partnership with the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, students were invited to visit a local branch for a guided tour to learn how credit unions work and what to expect during in-person visits. As someone who is visually impaired, this experience gave Amir the opportunity to explore the branch, ask questions, and build confidence before opening his account. When it came time to get started, he knew he might need accommodation and the team was ready to support him every step of the way.

That level of care continued with every interaction. “Every time I met with an employee, they made me feel comfortable, explained which IDs and paperwork I needed to open an account, and even showed me how to get what I did not have. The support I received was very comforting,” Amir shared.

Since opening his account, Amir has gained valuable financial knowledge, including understanding the difference between checking and savings accounts. Amir explains, “I have really learned the difference between a checking account and a savings account. This, along with the support I have received from the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, has helped me learn ways to save money so I can become independent.”

Amir has big goals for the future. He said, “My goal is to become a chef one day and go to culinary school. Both the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation and Create Credit Union have helped me work toward this goal. Create Credit Union has allowed me to save my money and learn to spend it wisely.”

For everyday banking, Amir relies on the mobile app. “It has made looking at my bank account so much easier. It even works with my phone's option to read the information to me. While I have not used the ATM, the tour and the employee explaining it to me have helped me feel comfortable using it.”

His advice to others who are blind or visually impaired is simple: “Do not be scared to ask for help!”

Thank you, Amir, for being such a valued member of Create Credit Union!

Your money should work as hard as you do. That’s why our Bonus Checking Plus is designed to help you earn more while enjoying everyday convenience without changing your banking habits. Bonus Checking Plus will earn you 3x more than the Vegas Metro market average (2.69% APY)!*

For $6.95/mo., Bonus Checking Plus Gets You More:

• Competitive earnings – 8.30% APY**
• Credit Score Simulator¹ – See how financial decisions could impact your credit before you make them, helping you plan smarter and improve your score over time.
• Dark Web Monitoring² – Get alerts if your personal information is found on the dark web, so you can act quickly and protect your identity.
• Fuel Savings³ – Save money at the pump with discounts on fuel, making every day driving more affordable.
• Telehealth Access⁴ – Connect with licensed healthcare providers for non-emergency care by phone or video, offering convenient support when you need it.
• And, all the perks of Bonus Checking!

With more ways to earn, save and protect what matters most, Bonus Checking Plus helps you get more out of every dollar so you can focus on what’s next. Apply online or in the Create CU app. For questions, contact our Member Service Center at 702-228-2228 or visit www.createcu.org.

*Analysis by Rate.net as of May 4, 2026.

** APY is Annual Percentage Yield. See full terms and conditions, conditions must be met to earn the bonus interest, restrictions apply. Some benefits require registration. 

¹Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the insurance document. Insurance Products are not insured by the ASI or any Federal Government Agency; not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate.

²Registration/ Activation required. 

³Restrictions apply. See createbonus.clubchecking.com for details.

⁴Available for the account holder and their spouse/domestic partner and up to six (6) dependent children age 2 and older. This is not insurance.

Get Real Savings on Your Summer Vacation

This summer, skip the stress of overspending and start planning your getaway that’s both memorable and budget friendly. As Create CU members, you have access to exclusive travel savings through Get Away Today, plus an easy way to prepare ahead with our Vacation Club Savings account.

With Get Away Today, you can:

• Save on vacation packages to top destinations including Disneyland® Resort (with 365-day refundable tickets), cruises, Hawaii, Mexico and more
• Bundle hotels, theme park tickets and travel add-ons for greater overall savings
• Enjoy exclusive member pricing not typically available to the public
• Get expert trip planning support with flexible options for changes and cancellations

When you use a Vacation Club Savings account, you can:

• Set aside money year-round specifically for travel and vacation goals

• Build your travel fund gradually to stay on budget and avoid last-minute costs

• Receive your saved funds directly into your membership savings account on May 15

• Enjoy a stress-free way to plan trips without dipping into your emergency funds

Log in online or through the Create CU mobile app then select Open & Apply and New Accounts to get started or call Member Service Center at 702-228-2228.

 Nurses Week Giveaway – Enter Today! 

This Nurses Week (May 6–12), we’re celebrating those individuals who care for our communities with compassion and dedication. Help us show our appreciation by recognizing both nurses and future nurses!

Nurse & Nursing Student Giveaways:

• Three nurses will be awarded a $500 Visa Gift Card
• Two nursing students will receive a $250 Visa Gift Card
• PLUS each winner will also take home a gift bag filled with special treats

Have someone in mind who deserves an entry? Whether it’s a colleague, loved one, or even yourself, we invite you to enter the Nurses Week giveaway on their behalf.

Entries are open now through May 12 – enter today!

We’re also proud to offer our Nursing is a Work of Heart debit card, created by a nurse, for nurses. It’s an easy way to celebrate the passion behind the profession, year-round! To request your card, contact the Member Service Center at 702-228-2228, stop by a branch, or access your account through online banking.