Las Vegas Nonprofit Awards 700+ Scholarships in 15 Years

A Las Vegas nonprofit is proving that investing in young people pays dividends that last a lifetime.

Project 150 just celebrated 15 years of awarding scholarships to Southern Nevada high school seniors who need it most. Since launching the program, the organization has helped more than 700 students afford college or vocational training.

The numbers tell a powerful story. This year, Project 150 expects to award scholarships to over 100 students thanks to donations from local businesses and community partners. These students are heading into fields ranging from healthcare and education to engineering and skilled trades.

Executive Director Kelli Kristo says the scholarships represent something deeper than tuition money. They're a message to students that their community believes in them and their future.

Project 150 focuses on homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students across Clark County. The scholarship program is just one piece of their mission to help teens succeed.

The organization also runs two local boutiques that serve about 12,000 visits annually. Students can get free clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, shoes, and food without judgment or barriers.

The Ripple Effect

Every scholarship recipient represents a life trajectory changed for the better. When students who face housing instability or financial hardship get support for college, they gain more than an education. They gain proof that obstacles don't have to become dead ends.

These 700 graduates are now working in hospitals, classrooms, construction sites, and labs across the region. Many will likely give back to their own communities, creating a cycle of support that extends far beyond the original scholarship check.

Project 150 relies entirely on donations to continue its work. The organization is currently seeking teen-appropriate clothing, non-perishable foods, and financial contributions from community members who want to invest in the next generation.

Fifteen years and 700 scholarships later, Project 150 shows what happens when a community decides that every student deserves a shot at their dreams.