Grant From USA Funds to Help Low-Income Students in Arizona Pay for College
As the cost of college tuition continues to rise, the need for access to scholarship dollars continues to increase as well, especially for low-income students who wish to pursue a postsecondary degree. The Arizona College Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to making college a reality for Arizona students through scholarships and mentoring programs for low-income, high-potential students attending Arizona colleges or universities.
USA Funds® recently awarded a $100,000 grant to help fund the foundation’s ACSF Scholar program. ACSF scholars receive an annual scholarship of up to $6,000 toward the cost of college attendance for four years. In addition, scholars receive a network of support services to help them succeed. To be eligible to be an ACSF scholar, the student must be recommended by one of ACSF’s partner organizations.
The foundation comprises Arizona business and community leaders, elected officials, foundations, and education and community-service leaders.
“These scholarships support USA Funds’ nonprofit mission to enhance postsecondary-education preparedness, access and success,” says Henry Fernandez, USA Funds executive director of scholarships, outreach and philanthropy. “We are extremely pleased to partner with ACSF to improve the college-going rates of lower-income students in Arizona.”
ACSF notes that Arizona ranks among the five lowest in terms of state-funded financial assistance and that, in the past two years, college tuition has increased 39 percent. Additionally, Arizona’s participation rate in postsecondary education for low-income students is 15.6 percent, and Arizona has the nation’s fifth-lowest percentage of citizens with baccalaureate degrees.
Scholarships, mentoring among services
In addition to scholarship funding, ACSF provides mentoring services to students throughout various stages of their education. ACSF works with established organizations that serve high-risk children — such as Boys & Girls Clubs, and Big Brothers Big Sisters — to provide early postsecondary-education awareness and mentoring. The foundation also coordinates with organizations that provide college-preparatory training and application information for students.
At the college level, ACSF provides a network of on-campus support services to ensure scholars’ success. The following are among the support services provided to each ACSF scholar:
- Assistance from an on-campus mentor.
- Bi-monthly coaching from ACSF staff.
- Regular group trainings.
- Connections with on-campus resource centers.
As upperclassmen, scholars are paired with professional mentors in their career fields. The mentors provide advice and opportunities for a job shadowing and internships.
“We appreciate the leadership of USA Funds in increasing access to higher education through this generous grant and through their participation in so many other Arizona programs,” says Martha Harmon, ACSF CEO. “We hope other corporations will follow USA Funds’ lead in supporting this unique statewide scholarship initiative.”