The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a unique scholarship established by the Nevada Legislature for Nevada high school graduates to attend community college. As a last-dollar scholarship, the Nevada Promise Scholarship can cover up to three years of tuition and other mandatory fees not covered by other gift aid.
Mentors are an important part of the Nevada Promise Scholarship and a strong support structure is key to help students find success. Meet the mentors who help provide support and guidance to students receiving the Nevada Promise scholarship at CSN.
Carolyn Wheeler is a leadership-oriented marketing and community development professional with over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications and branding and a proven track record in reinforcing corporate culture and employee engagement programs around corporate social responsibility programs.
“By participating in the Nevada Promise Scholarship program, I am not only making the difference in a student’s life but also for our community,” said Wheeler. “I was fortunate to have mentors throughout my life and I know the importance of having someone believe in you and guide you while sharing their perspective and experience. This program not only helps students learn about career paths it also shapes our future leaders.”
Wheeler currently serves as the Executive Director of the Downtown Vegas Alliance (DVA), a nonprofit organization that connects its members and downtown stakeholders to influence growth in the heart of Las Vegas. Carolyn’s role brings together businesses, government and community partners through thought leadership and collaboration to build awareness and drive the strategic direction for the organization and the downtown Las Vegas community. Under her leadership the DVA has grown in its membership and influence and has become a leading resource to businesses trying to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to this role, she was the Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility Marketing for Caesar’s Entertainment in Las Vegas. At Caesars Entertainment, she works to connect the dots between the company’s commitment to environmental and social sustainability with internal and external audiences to help stakeholders understand the impact that the company truly makes. And as the Director of the Caesars Foundation, she worked to develop integrated relationships with community partners across the enterprise to increase the value of financial contributions by adding the power of Caesars’ volunteers and governance. During her tenure, Carolyn was awarded the Caesars Award of Excellence for Diversity and inspiring innovation and was part of a group selected as finalists for the 2016 Governor’s Point of Light Award for Corporate Volunteer Program.
Carolyn graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Sociology. She also participated in the Leadership Las Vegas program and is very involved in the Las Vegas community serving on numerous non-profit boards and advisory committees including the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism, YMCA, United Way of Southern Nevada, UCLA Alumni Association, National Charity League and Family to Family Connection. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys cooking, reading and traveling, especially to great surfing destinations with her daughter Lindsay.
CSN is seeking mentors of all backgrounds who are willing to give 3-5 hours each semester to guide the future of Nevada. Learn more at csn.edu/promise/become-a-mentor.
