Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Legacy Scholarship
Introduction
In 1958, Charles and Phyllis M. Frias came to Southern Nevada with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Neither one had attended college, but with a firm determination and tireless work ethic, they built a five cab company into the largest transportation company in the state of Nevada, fueling the lifeblood of the Las Vegas tourism economy for decades by providing safe and efficient transportation experiences. Hand in hand with their business success, the Frias couple actively engaged in philanthropy by donating millions of dollars to support children, education, and the less fortunate members of the community.
The positive impact that Charles and Phyllis M. Frias made on Las Vegas is one that few, if any, will ever match. Grateful for the successes Las Vegas provided them and resolute in their belief that all children, regardless of background, should be afforded the opportunity for a quality education, the couple’s generosity allowed many Southern Nevadans to attend college who would not otherwise have been able to do so, as well as multitudes of high school students in Clark and Lincoln counties who benefited from their generosity over the decades.
Process
Current Scouts or students who participated in Scouts BSA, through their junior year* who are high school seniors living in portions of Clark, Lincoln, or Nye County, Nevada, and are served by the Las Vegas Area Council, with a GPA ranging between 2.0 and 3.6, and demonstrating financial need may apply for this scholarship. The goal is to graduate from a four-year university debt-free. Attending a Nevada four-year public university (currently UNLV, University of Nevada Reno, or Nevada State University) is encouraged. Recipients may attend an out-of-state university if it appears that they will be able to graduate debt-free.
Recipients should be focused on academics. Students must plan to attend a four-year college/university full-time, and it is strongly preferred that students live on campus during their freshman and sophomore years. During the first academic year, recipients are discouraged from working. After the first year, recipients are discouraged from working more than 8 hours per week. This limitation does not apply during winter or summer breaks.
One (1) annual scholarship in an amount of up to $25,000 will be awarded. This scholarship may be renewable annually for $25,000 for a cumulative total of $100,000 over four years provided each year the recipient continues to be enrolled full-time and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Verification of college enrollment (class schedule) will be required during the summer before the check is mailed to the college. Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition, fees, and other appropriate educational expenses. These funds will be disbursed in equal payments over two semesters. PEF may at any time modify or establish any restrictions or other conditions as PEF determines in its sole and absolute discretion.
On September 28th, 2026, the Public Education Foundation (PEF) will host a special scholarship presentation at the Donald W. Reynolds Scout Resource Center. This informative session is open to all high school students, with juniors and seniors especially encouraged to attend.
The evening will highlight the Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust $100,000 College Scholarship—an extraordinary opportunity that provides $25,000 per year for up to four years to one outstanding Scout. This life-changing scholarship can help make earning a college degree possible while significantly reducing the financial burden on a student and their family.
This opportunity is available to eligible Scouts throughout the Las Vegas Area Council, including those in Beatty, Pahrump, Mesquite, Las Vegas and surrounding communities, Laughlin, Nevada, Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and Parker, Arizona.
The message is simple: Stay in Scouting. Stay in school. Meet the qualifications. Apply.
One deserving Scout will be selected as this year’s recipient, and that Scout could be you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about one of the most prestigious scholarships available to Scouts in our council and take an important step toward a debt-free college education.
Kickoff
Date: September 28th, 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Donald W. Reynolds Scout Resource Center
7220 S. Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89119
Please contact: Sujal.tretina@scouting.org to reserve your spot
Preston Shwartz
2026 Scholarship Winner
Paul Huffmaster
2025 Scholarship Winner
Connor Keigley
2024 Scholarship Winner
