ALEC bright future scholarship winners
A round of applause for the winners of the 2026 ALEC Bright Future Scholarship Program.
ALEC continues to honor academic excellence and invest in the bright futures in our community.
We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s academic scholarships. A total of $20,000 will be awarded to seven recipients to use towards their college expenses.
Gabriel Youssef
High School: Carroll Senior High School — Southlake, TX
College: University of Texas at Arlington
Major: Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Goal: “I’m particularly interested in orbital mechanics, fluid dynamics, and spacecraft design, as these subjects challenge me to apply mathematics and physics to complex real-world aerospace problems. My long-term career objective is to work in the aerospace industry, contributing to the design and development of next-generation aircraft or space systems. I hope to mentor younger students and encourage greater interest in STEM fields.”
Catherine Tang
High School: Glenbrook North High School — Northbrook, IL
College: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Public Health
Goal: “I hope to explore roles across the healthcare ecosystem, with a focus on pharmaceutical and consumer health marketing strategy. I am particularly interested in how structural barriers affect awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, especially for cancer and rare diseases. My long-term goal is to focus on patient-centered marketing, translating complex clinical and scientific concepts into clear, accessible communication that empowers patients and supports providers."
Alexus Fabian
High School: Warren Township High School — Gurnee, IL
College: University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology
Goal: “I am passionate about evolving women's healthcare in the U.S. and abroad, and plan to join organizations at school to support Hispanic students in STEM programs. I also plan to join the organization Global Medical Training, which will allow me to volunteer in underprivileged regions of the world and prepare me for a career in global health. My career goal is to develop a women's clinic in the U.S. and become a global physician performing lifesaving work in developing nations as well.”
Arianna Ehler
High School: Adlai Stevenson High School — Lincolnshire, IL
College: University of Iowa
Major: Nursing and Psychology
Goal: “I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's in Nursing with a minor in Psychology, as well as pass the NCLEX and gain my RN license. I will search for RN positions whose role complements my goal graduate program of CRNA, primarily those within an ICU. An ICU role will allow me to gain specialized real world experience with a wide variety of patients to meet and conditions to treat. This experience will allow me to construct a well-balanced resume for eventual applications to my ideal CRNA programs ."
Ryan Soli
High School: Cary Grove High School — Cary, IL
College: Carleton College
Major: Statistics & Data Science
Goal: “For as long as I can remember, I've loved how numbers work and explain the world, which is why I originally planned to major in math. Economics and statistics opened a door for me that I never knew existed, and I love how they're both forms of applied mathematics. I know I can use what I've learned to help local non-profits and environmental groups. I love the idea of making positive change and look forward to supporting my community."
Brooke Wells
High School: Buffalo Grove High School — Buffalo Grove, IL
College: Washington University St. Louis
Major: Architecture
Goal: “I am fascinated by how creativity and logic can intertwine to form spaces that serve real needs, grant beauty, and convey history. My long-term career goal is to develop my own architectural firm where I can ensure developed infrastructure provides opportunities for the communities I impact. Architecture isn't just about building, but the people that inhabit them, so I intend to master the skills required to design structures that prioritizes functionality, social equity, and the environment."
Hannah Kurien
High School: Libertyville High School — Libertyville, IL
College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Goal: “I plan to take courses in rocket propulsion and combustion to establish a strong foundation in aerospace engineering, contributing to enhancements in the field. I hope to conduct research at a national lab or direct research as a professor at a university. Through my research, I aim to contribute to the development of propulsion technology aimed at optimizing power and efficiency, while mentoring the next generation of aerospace engineers, through professorship or leadership"
In recognition of their accomplishments, we extend our congratulations to these exemplary scholars who proved their merits in and out of the classroom.
Each of the Bright Future Scholarship applicants were considered for academic performance, as well as demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities. Work experience and unusual personal or family circumstances were also factored in.
“We developed the Bright Future Scholarship Program in 2016 as an extension of the credit union’s sincere commitment to serve our members with resources for their financial well-being, including opportunities for higher education,” according to Joseph Trosclair, ALEC president and CEO.
“More than just a scholarship, ALEC is proud to invest in the leaders of tomorrow and the bright future we are all working to build.”
Know a deserving student or students? Please make sure to tell them to become a member by visiting alecu.org or any ALEC Branch. Check back for details next spring regarding the 2026 ALEC Bright Future Scholarship Program!
