Nine students across the YK Communications service area receive support to pursue higher education and career goals
This makes 155 scholarships since the Foundation was established in 2000. The Young Family Foundation’s focus is to foster the benefits of a higher education. Each of the 2026 scholarship recipients will receive financial support through the YFF Scholarship, helping them obtain a college degree and achieve their individual career goals.
The 2026 scholarships recipients are:
Aileen Zavala, Ganado High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Business Administration
Aileen intends to major in Business Administration and build a strong foundation in financial management, economics, and problem-solving. She hopes to pursue a career as a financial advisor or accountant, helping individuals and businesses better understand and manage complex financial decisions. Ultimately, Aileen’s goal is to support her family, achieve financial stability, and use her education to create meaningful opportunities for others.
Ayden Tudyk, Ganado High School: Academic Scholarship, Sul Ross State University, Business Management
Ayden will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management while playing college baseball. He chose this major because it aligns with both his athletic career and his long-term goal of entrepreneurship. Ayden hopes to start his own business creating and producing sports products, combining his passion for baseball with strong business leadership skills.
Austen Pena, Ganado High School: Vocational Scholarship, Texas State Technical College, Associates of Applies Science – HVAC
Austen plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC. He aims to become a Commercial HVAC Technician, gaining hands-on experience through an internship to secure employment soon after completing the program. In the long term, Austen hopes to open his own HVAC business and provide reliable service to his community while supporting his family financially.
Joseph Jones, Louise High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas State University, Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering
Joseph plans to major in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Computer Engineering at Texas State University. With a strong interest in technology and hardware, he hopes to pursue a career in research and development, creating innovations that make a positive impact on society.
Hayden Jones, Louise High School: Vocational Scholarship, Texas State Technical College, Electrical Linework & Management
Hayden plans to pursue a degree in Electrical Linework and Management. He aims to build a career as a lineworker, valuing both the opportunity to travel and the option to remain close to his home community. Ultimately, Hayden hopes to use his education and career to give back to future generations and support the community that helped shape his success.
Fernando Ochoa, Tidehaven High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering
Fernando plans to major in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His passion for service and problem-solving, he aims to pursue a career in engineering that allows himself to make a meaningful impact while helping others. A primary long-term goal is to support his family financially and give back to the community that has played a key role in his success.
Erin Perez, Tidehaven High School: Vocational Scholarship, Wharton County Junio College, Physical Therapy Assistant
Erin will pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree Physical Therapy Assistant program. Her career goal is to work in home healthcare, particularly serving elderly patients in rural areas who face barriers to accessing medical care. Ultimately, she hopes to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Chloe Herzik, El Campo High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Business Administration
Chloe intends to pursue a 5-year program earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Financial Management. She hopes to use this education to become a Public Accountant or Accounting Manager, contributing to her community while establishing a strong foundation as a first-generation college student. Ultimately, Chloe’s goal is to achieve financial independence, support her family, and serve as a role model for future generations through leadership and service.
Carrie Ward, El Campo High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Business Administration – Finance
Carrie will begin her studies in Economics before transferring into Business with a concentration in Finance and eventually earning a master’s degree. Her long-term goal is to use her education to create opportunities for others, including establishing a scholarship program to help students pursue higher education without overwhelming financial stress. Motivated by her family’s experiences, Carrie hopes to achieve financial stability while giving back and supporting students facing challenges similar to her own.
Academic scholarships include $2,000 per semester for up to 8 semesters and vocational scholarships include $1,000 per semester for up to 6 semesters. This creates $114,000.00 awarded to the 2026 recipients. We applaud the achievements of our scholarship recipients and look forward to their future contributions to their fields of study and our community.
About YK Communications:
YK Communications is a leading provider of telecommunications services in rural Texas, offering high-speed internet, voice, and security solutions to residential and business customers. With a focus on customer satisfaction and community support, YK Communications strives to connect and empower rural communities through reliable communication services.
About The Young Family Foundation:
The Young Family Foundation is the non-profit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants.
Contact:
Russell Kacer, President
YK Communications
Phone: 361-771-3334
E-mail: russell@ykc.com
Website: http://www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
