Paying for College

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Going to college is in reach! Learn the many ways and scholarship opportunities to help you pay for college.

scholarship winners

Ron Pies 2023

Grecia Milan Vilella believes in fostering an environment that is inclusive and enhances the well-being of individuals. Having demonstrated her dedication to the community through various clubs and volunteer opportunities, Grecia is determined to continue contributing to the community and plans to pursue a career as a physician surgeon or neurosurgeon. Grecia is set to begin her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University this Fall.

PFC George Kirk

Growing up in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Cadie Matus learned to a lot about community and resilience, but she also learned from her own mother’s independence, dedication, and constant self-improvement. Cadie hopes to continue developing her own free-spirit and independence as she prepares to pursue a career in psychology at Mesa Community College.

Robin Arredondo

Despite experiencing some challenging setbacks, Fredrick Simpson never gave up on his goal of joining the United States Marine Crops. His exceptional mental and physical resilience are enabling him to achieve his career aspiration of becoming a Marine. Frederic is now waiting to start basic Marine Corps training this summer where he will undergo 13 weeks of intense physical training learning what it means to be a Marine.

Applying to FAFSA

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?

The Arizona Promise Program

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

College Connect Scholarships

The Ramsey Social Justice Foundation generously provides support for several

scholarship opportunities for College Connect student participants.

2024 - 2025 School Year Scholarship Applications

The Hon. Robin Arredondo- Savage ROTC/Military Scholarship

PFC George Kirk Scholarship

Ron Pies Environmental Justice Scholarship

Congratulations to this year's College Connect Tempe Scholarship Winners!

All scholarships are sponsored by the Ramsey Social Justice Foundation scholarship winners

Ron Pies Environmental Justice Scholarship Recipient

Honorable Robin Arredondo-Savage ROTC/Military Scholarship Recipient

PFC George Kirk Scholarship Recipient

PFC George Kirk

Local Scholarships

Don Carlos Humanitarian Award

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.

Dolores Huerta Scholarship

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.

Miltary Academy Scholarship

Military Academy Nominations

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.

EVWL

Scholarships – East Valley Women's League (evwl.org)

East Valley Women’s League offers various scholarships for residents in Arizona looking to further their education.

Middle School Scholarships

High School Scholarships

All High School Students

RaiseMe

Minecraft Scholarship

Book Lovers Scholarship

VFW Youth Scholarship

Burger King Scholars

Rubincam Youth Writing Competition

Technology Addiction Award

Seniors

Dell Scholars

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

Undergraduate and Adult Learner Scholarships

Scholarship Search Tools

Scholarships for Native Students

U of A Scholarships

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

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-Logo-Square

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.

Rise Up Gila River photo

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.

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