MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College would like to congratulate Shawntel Tsilitskaya, a student on the Bullhead Campus, for being named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.
“Winning this award means more than the financial support. It recognizes the hard work, sacrifices, and determination it took to return to school later in life and pursue a new career,” Tsilitskaya said. “After overcoming many challenges, this scholarship is a reminder that the effort has been worthwhile. It gives me confidence moving forward and reinforces the belief that it is never too late to set a goal, work toward it and achieve something that once seemed out of reach.”
After years of being a single mother and years on a fixed income, she decided to better her future and go back to school. At Mohave College, she started taking courses working toward an associate degree in general studies, then when she heard about the sonography program starting soon, she decided to apply for it. Tsilitskaya was accepted into the sonography program and is working towards completing her degree. At the same time, she’s working on her associate degree in applied science and a certificate in bookkeeping.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the inaugural cohort of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program,” she said. “The faculty has been a huge help throughout the program. They’re always there to offer encouragement, guidance and are always willing to answer questions.”
Her ultimate career goal is to become a cardiac sonographer, especially in the field of pediatric echocardiography because of her personal experience of seeing sonographers interact with her son.
Tsilitskaya is a first-generation student meaning she’s the first in her family to attend a college or university, so learning how to navigate higher education provided a challenge for her. Another challenge was returning to school as an adult.
She said being a student in her 50’s has been her biggest difficulty and has had to adjust to newer technology, younger generations, feeling out of place and retaining information.
As a student, she’s part of the Sonography Society Bullhead City student club where she’s club president and was a founding member. As a club member, she’s been able to build the foundation for future club members to plan events, fundraisers and overall being part of a community with shared interests. Besides being a student, she’s a mother to her son Mikah. She also enjoys puzzles, crafts and upscaling items.
To learn more about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, visit Mohave.edu/Sonography. The College is currently enrolling students for fall semester classes. Those who are not yet students can take the first step at FutureBighorn.com, while returning students are encouraged to start at www.Mohave.edu/Admission.
About Mohave College
Since 1971, Mohave College has been transforming lives by helping students earn degrees and certificates that lead to better careers and brighter futures. Most alumni stay right here in Mohave County, strengthening the local workforce, fueling economic growth, and giving back to the communities they call home. The College delivers an estimated $199 million annual economic impact to the region and supports over 3,000 jobs in industries ranging from healthcare to the arts. Alumni contribute $158 million each year in additional income to local communities, and 96% of graduates say Mohave prepared them well for their careers or further education. Whether you’re starting your journey or advancing your skills, Mohave College is here to help you own your future. Learn more at Mohave.edu/ImprovingLives.
Shawntel Tsilitskaya is a diagnostic medical sonography student at Mohave College and she’s recently been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.