Forestry student Talus Harris named 2026 Chime Scholar.
Front Range Community College forestry technology student Talus Harris has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining an elite group of students from across the US who are being recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.
Talus was selected from a national pool of applicants through Phi Theta Kappa’s competitive scholarship process, which received more than 10,000 applications across its common scholarship application.
He is working toward his Associate of Applied Science degree in forestry technology through the college’s forestry, wildlife and natural resources program.
“I was worried that I could not afford tuition this upcoming school year,” Talus recalls. “The Chime Scholarship alleviated the financial stress by covering some of my educational expenses. I am honored to be selected for Chime’s generous scholarship.”
The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges around the country. The scholarship helps them cover their educational expenses as they complete a certificate or associate degree preparing them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.
More About Talus
A member of the Society of American Foresters, Talus has maintained a 3.8 GPA while working for his father’s electronics recycling business and going to school. He recently completed a forestry position with the Larimer County Conservation Corps (an AmeriCorps program), where he earned his wildland firefighter and chainsaw certifications.
When Talus came to FRCC, he knew he wanted to work outdoors. “I enjoy being outside, am fascinated by trees and I wanted to protect the environment,” he says.
“My FRCC instructors really helped me clarify my interests and career goals.”
His favorite class “by far” has been arboriculture. “I love climbing trees!,” he raves. Talus has also found the FRCC Writing Center helpful in working on his papers for classes. He plans to graduate in May of 2027 and become a certified arborist.
An Honor That Brings Opportunity
“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation. “We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,”
Funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.
“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish.”
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 28,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About Chime Scholars Foundation
Chime (Nasdaq: CHYM) is a financial technology company founded on the premise that core banking services should be helpful, easy, and free. We offer a broad range of low-cost banking, payments, lending, and investing products that address the most critical financial needs of everyday people. Our member-aligned business model has helped millions of people to unlock financial progressTM. Funds in Chime deposit accounts are FDIC-insured through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, up to applicable limits*.
*Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. FDIC deposit insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academicachievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path
