Peoples Bank Establishes $25,000 Endowed Scholarship at Skagit Valley College Foundation
Peoples Bank has donated $25,000 to the Skagit Valley College Foundation to establish the Peoples Bank Endowed Scholarship, reinforcing the bank's long-standing commitment to supporting education, workforce development, and opportunities for students throughout Northwest Washington.
The newly created endowment will provide ongoing scholarship support for Skagit Valley College (SVC) students, helping to reduce financial barriers and empower future generations to achieve their educational and career goals. As an endowed fund, the scholarship will continue to generate support for students for years to come, creating a lasting impact across the communities served by both organizations.
"Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen families, and build more vibrant communities," said Jennifer Covey, Retail District Branch Manager for Peoples Bank. "At Peoples Bank, we believe investing in students is one of the most meaningful ways we can support the future of our region. We are honored to partner with the Skagit Valley College Foundation to create opportunities that help students pursue their goals and achieve their full potential."
The endowed scholarship reflects Peoples Bank's dedication to community investment and its mission of helping individuals, families, and businesses thrive. Through this gift, the bank seeks to support students who are working toward degrees, certifications, and career pathways that will contribute to the economic vitality of Northwest Washington.
Skagit Valley College, which is celebrating its centennial this year, serves 7,999 students and has awarded over $1 million in Foundation Scholarships and Emergency Funds. SVC offers a wide range of opportunities and learning paths, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, High School Diplomas, and dozens of different certifications and micro-certifications for specialized training and skills.
“A scholarship can be the difference between putting college on hold and moving forward,” said Kathleen Petrzelka, Executive Director of the SVC Foundation. “We are grateful to Peoples Bank for their partnership and for believing in our students and the contributions they make to our communities. This endowment will help keep college within reach for generations to come.”
The scholarship fund is part of Peoples Bank's broader commitment to strengthening local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and educational initiatives throughout the region.
To learn more about Peoples Bank's community giving programs, visit www.peoplesbank-wa.com/giving.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com.