City of Tempe, AZ
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Paying for College
Going to college is in reach! Learn the many ways and scholarship opportunities to help you pay for college.
Made possible by the Social Justice Ramsey Foundation, College Connect Tempe offers the following Scholarship opportunities:
Ron Pies Environmental Justice Scholarship
The Hon. Robin Arredondo-Savage ROTC/Military Scholarship
Last year's scholarships winners
Alisson Delgado Barrera
Marcos de Niza High School
Anabella Camarena
Desert Vista High School
Arleth Michelle Ramos Cisneros
Desert Vista High School
Khia Cook
Marcos de Niza High School
Emily Jinez
Marcos de Niza High School
Alexa Duarte Leal
Tempe High School
Jose Eduardo Lopez Pacheco
Tempe High School
Rylee Rains
McClintock High School
Ron Pies Environmental Justice Scholarship recipient
Aspyn Starks, 2025 Corona del Sol High School graduate
Honorable Robin Arredondo-Savage ROTC/Military Scholarship recipient
Tanner Rogers, 2025 Marcos de Niza High School graduate
Since his freshman year, Tanner has been driven to become a Marine Corps Officer in order to serve our country, have the opportunity to lead fellow Marines and leave a positive impact on the Corps. As a Battalion Command Sergeant Major through JROTC Battalion, Tanner was awarded the National Marine Corps NROTC Scholarship, which will allow him to pursue his career goals in the Marine Corps at Arizona State University. Through NROTC as a Marine option Midshipman, Tanner will work toward earning a bachelor's degree in emergency management and homeland security and learn all the skills and knowledge needed to become an officer. Tanner plans to apply for the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) known as ground intelligence after graduating from ASU in pursuit of his passion for serving our country.
Preparing for the FAFSA 2026-2027
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be the first tool in your financial aid tool kit. By completing the FAFSA application, you will be reviewed for the possibility of financial aid, including grants and loans!
At first, the FAFSA can come off as a little challenging. College Connect advisors are well seasoned on the application and its requirements. Schedule an appointment or contact us if you have any questions. For in depth detail on the FAFSA, take a look at our article.
Need to text a question?
AZ Promise Program: A Guaranteed College Scholarship
The Arizona Promise Program opens the door of opportunity to students from low-income families. With a guaranteed scholarship for eligible students to cover Arizona public university tuition and fees, higher education will be more accessible and affordable for more Arizona students and their families.
What is the Arizona Promise Program?
- The Arizona Promise Program provides financial assistance for students whose federal Pell grants or other financial aid don’t cover the cost of college tuition and fees.
- The award amount is up to the actual cost of in-state tuition, mandatory fees and program fees after other financial aid.
- Qualifying students are guaranteed their tuition, mandatory fees and program fees will be fully covered.
Who is eligible for the Arizona Promise Program?
To qualify, a student must:
- Be an Arizona resident.
- Be an Arizona high school graduate who has completed courses required for admission to the universities with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Qualify for the maximum federal Pell Grant; timely complete the FAFSA application each year for renewal.
- Be accepted and enroll as a first-time, full-time, on-campus degree seeking student in an Arizona public four-year university in the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. (Some gaps in enrollment, such as for military service, may be allowed. Please check with the universities.)
How do I receive Arizona Promise Program funding?
- There is no need to apply for Arizona Promise Program funding. Eligible students will automatically receive funding through the program. The universities determine the amount of funding qualifying students will receive, but the award will ensure the actual cost of the student’s in-state tuition, and mandatory and program fees are covered.
- The universities are awarding the funding to students already enrolled and who qualify in spring of 2025.
Learn more
For high school students who are Tempe residents. Must be attending post-secondary school this fall and demonstrate a passion to help others.
Earn to Learn Scholarship Application
Now open for the 2024-2025 academic year. Recruiting approximately 350 students to join the program and receive a $4000 renewable scholarship at Pima Community College, ASU, NAU and UA.
For students attending Arizona State University or Maricopa Community Colleges. CLICK HERE for information on Tempe Diablos Scholarships.
Scholarships for students attending a school in the Tempe Union High School District. CLICK HERE for more information.
Tempe Dollars for Scholars is a nonprofit foundation that supports academic success in our community. As part of Scholarship America's national network of locally based, volunteer-driven Dollars for Scholars chapters, our mission is to mobilize our community on behalf of post-secondary education success for our students.
For students attending one of the Maricopa Community Colleges. CLICK HERE for information on Maricopa Community College Foundation scholarships.
Scholarships available for students:
- Transitioning out of the foster care system
- With a disability
- With a dependent
CLICK HERE for more scholarship information.
More than 100 scholarships to apply for through one application. CLICK HERE for more scholarship information.
For students pursuing a college education and career in the sports industry. CLICK HERE for more information on this scholarship for athletes.
Advocacy and Social Justice Award named after Dolores Huerta. $1,000 award to one senior high school student living in the City of Tempe or attending a school in the Tempe Union High School District.
Plan to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, or the U.S. Military Academy (West Point)? In addition to applying to these schools, you will also need a Congressional Nomination. Congressman Stanton is now accepting applications.
East Valley Women’s League offers various scholarships for residents in Arizona looking to further their education.
At Parker & Sons, we believe that character matters both on and off the field. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Arizona Sports to offer the Character Counts Scholarship, a $10,000 award to honor local high school students who exemplify outstanding character and community involvement.
Who’s Eligible?
Any local high school student between 14 and 18 years of age who demonstrates:
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Exceptional character both on and off the field
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Good sportsmanship
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Community involvement and giving back
All High School Students
Rubincam Youth Writing Competition
Seniors
Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship
Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship (STAR)
Living The Legacy Scholarship - Andrew Goodman Foundation | Andrew Goodman Foundation
The Arizona Native Scholars Grant is an institutional grant provided by University of Arizona to students who are members of one of 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes. This grant pays for tuition, program fees, and mandatory fees that all other financial aid does not cover.
American Indian College Fund: Full-time students who are enrolled in accredited institutions with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a member of a state or federally recognized tribe are eligible to apply.
American Indian Education Fund: One of the largest grantors of scholarships to American Indians, providing more than $400,000 to more than 200 students a year. Visit website for more details and eligibility.
American Indian Services: Scholarships may cover up to one half of tuition. Applicant must be enrolled in a U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe and enrolled in an accredited institution. Visit website for more details.
NativeVision: 4 Indigenous high school seniors are awarded $5,000 to attend their first year of college. Minimum 3.0 GPA and proof of tribal membership are required.
Cobell Scholarship: For high achieving college students who are involved in the community. Visit website for more details.
Association of American Indian Physicians: For American Indian and Alaskan Natives who are interested in pursuing careers in health. Visit website for more information.
Gila River Indian Community Rise Up Scholarship (instride.com)
Every eligible Gila River Indian Community member will receive a 20% tuition scholarship for certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at ASU Online.
Native American Scholarship Program - Education Forward Arizona
Multiple scholarship opportunities available for students attending trade/technical, undergraduate and graduate programs.
Scholarships for Undocumented/DACA Students
THEDREAM.US (for First Time College Students & Community College Graduates who Attend Partner Colleges)
Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation : Open to all prospective Maricopa College students, regardless of immigration status
MBA Forte Foundation – Forte Fellows Program (No Deadline)
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