Ontario Student Wins Teamsters Scholarship for College

Hard work runs in the family for Giselle Robles-Pacheco, and now it's paying off in a big way.

The recent Ontario High School graduate has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Scholarship Fund to attend Treasure Valley Community College this fall. She's one of 600 students across the country selected for the award this year.

Giselle is the daughter of Oliva Pacheco Alavez, a member of Teamsters Local 670 who works at J.R. Simplot. The scholarship fund specifically supports the children and dependents of Teamster members, recognizing the families behind the 1.3 million union workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The awards go to high school seniors heading to four-year colleges, community college transfer students, and those pursuing trade or vocational schools. Every scholarship represents not just academic achievement, but a family's dedication to both education and honest work.

Ontario Student Wins Teamsters Scholarship for College

The Ripple Effect

In just three years, the Teamsters Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 1,600 scholarships totaling over $3 million to deserving students. The money comes entirely from Teamsters local unions, Joint Councils, and member service providers. The union deliberately excludes employer donations to keep the fund independent and focused solely on supporting union families.

Teamsters Local 670 represents more than 2,500 workers in Eastern Oregon across various industries, creating a strong network of families supporting each other's success. When one family celebrates a win like Giselle's scholarship, it inspires others in the community to pursue their own educational dreams.

These scholarships do more than cover textbook costs. They send a clear message that the contributions of working families matter and that investing in the next generation strengthens entire communities.

Giselle's journey from Ontario High School to Treasure Valley Community College is just beginning, built on a foundation of family values and community support that will serve her well beyond the classroom.