Money Matters
Scholarship Recipients
Sponsored by: 
Congratulations to Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
PayrollOrg is pleased to recognize the recipients of the Money Matters Scholarship Program. This program supports students as they build practical knowledge and skills to navigate their personal finances and prepare for future educational and career opportunities.
Offered twice each year, the program reflects PayrollOrg's ongoing commitment to supporting learners at key stages of their academic and professional journeys.
Spring 2026 Recipients
First Place: Ronit Naik
College Freshman:
Stevens Institute of Technology
Planning to pursue a career in medicine
Advice for Students Entering College:
Start learning how to manage your money early. Create a simple budget, save part of every paycheck, and be mindful of unnecessary spending. Even saving a little at a time can add up.
Second Place: August Nguyen
High School senior:
Hopes to attend the University of California, Berkeley
Planning to pursue a career in neuroscience
Advice for Students Entering College:
Take control of your finances early. Building financial stability can give you a strong foundation so you can stay focused on the other goals you want to achieve.
Third Place: Kayla Tyus
College Freshman:
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Planning to pursue a career in finance and accounting
Advice for Students Entering College:
Don’t wait until you earn more to start saving. Saving small amounts consistently can help you build good habits and prepare for a stronger financial future.
2025 Recipients
Fall 2025
First Place: Itai Hershko
Second Place: Katie Heckroth
Paycheck Point: The Amusement Park of Earning
Third Place: TBD
Spring 2025
First Place: Jimmy Culver, Jr.
Second Place: Alyson Espina
Reading the Fine Print: How Understanding my Paycheck Became My Survival Skill
Third Place: Aanya Gandhi
The envelope was far thinner than I expected