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BENTONVILLE, Ark. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has committed $10,000 to support the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County’s Youth Scholarship Program for the 2026-2027 school year, helping ensure local children have access to life-changing after-school programs regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
United’s Stephanie Riffle presents a check to Boys & Girls Club of Benton County CEO, Cheryl Hatfield and Club kids.
The sponsorship will provide scholarship assistance to youth who otherwise may not be able to afford Club tuition, helping remove financial barriers and creating opportunities for more children to benefit from the academic support, mentoring, leadership development, and safe environments offered through the Boys & Girls Club.
The need for scholarship funding has grown significantly in recent years as traditional public funding sources have declined, increasing the importance of private partnerships that help keep programs accessible for families throughout Benton County. Club leaders have noted reductions in government grants and other funding sources while demand for scholarship assistance continues to rise.
“This investment reflects United’s commitment to empowering young people and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Stephanie Riffle, Regional Vice President for United Federal Credit Union. “The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County provides a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and build confidence. By supporting the scholarship program, we’re helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their family’s financial situation. We believe every young person deserves access to programs that inspire achievement and create brighter futures.”
United’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs extends beyond Arkansas. The credit union supports and sponsors Boys & Girls Clubs in all seven states it serves. Since 2017, United has donated more than $700,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, including nearly $200,000 in Arkansas alone.
In Northwest Arkansas, United’s support has included sponsorship of the Club’s vehicle program and maintenance initiatives, helping staff safely transport Club members to educational, recreational, and enrichment opportunities throughout the community. Additional support has included financial literacy programming and other youth development initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful for United Federal Credit Union’s continued partnership and belief in our mission,” said Cheryl Hatfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County. “As public funding sources become increasingly limited, community-minded organizations like United play an essential role in ensuring we can continue serving children and families who depend on us. This scholarship sponsorship will help open our doors to youth who might otherwise be unable to participate, giving them access to programs and experiences that can have a lasting impact on their future.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County serves thousands of young people each year through affordable after-school, summer, athletic, and leadership programs designed to help youth reach their full potential. United’s scholarship sponsorship will help ensure more children can take advantage of those opportunities during the coming school year.
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About United
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 190,000 Member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $4.2 billion. Its corporate office and main branch are in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
About Boys & Girls Club of Benton County
The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County is dedicated to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Through engaging programs and mentorship, the Club provides a safe and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and succeed.