Arizona Community Foundation Chief, National Education Leader Joins Arizona College Scholarship Foundation Board
July 13, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation (ACSF) announced today the appointment of Steven G. Seleznow, EdD, President & CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Seleznow is a recent arrival to the Valley of the Sun, taking the helm of Arizona’s largest community foundation in early March 2010. Formerly the Deputy Director of the U.S. Program in Education for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Dr. Seleznow is a nationally recognized leader in education and philanthropy.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Seleznow’s caliber join our Board of Directors,” comments Vince Roig, the Arizona College Scholarship Foundation’s Board Chairman. “His impressive foundation experience and expertise in education on a national front will add incredible value to our work.”
With the addition of Dr. Seleznow, ACSF’s board now consists of 10 members, including philanthropic, education and business leaders. The statewide, nonprofit organization is also supported by a steering committee of community leaders and education advocates, all working to make college accessible for high potential/low-income youth across Arizona.
“I am a firm believer that college opens the door to so many opportunities for our youth,” says Dr. Seleznow. “As a result, I am honored to join ACSF’s impressive Board of Directors and to contribute to the organization’s important college-access mission.”
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, ACSF had its first cohort of students participating in its scholarship program graduate this spring. The nearly 40 students earned degrees primarily from Arizona’s three public universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation (ACSF) is a non-profit organization committed to making college a reality for high potential/low-income Arizona students through scholarships and mentoring programs. Through its leadership and statewide partnerships, ACSF is working to increase the number of baccalaureate degree holders in Arizona. For more information about Arizona College Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.azcsf.org.
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation Announces Its First Graduating Class of 39 Students
May 19, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce the first graduating cohort of students since the organization’s inception in 2005. These 39 graduates are made up of high potential students who, without financial assistance, would not have been able to attend college. ACSF’s first graduating class boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and are receiving their degrees this month from the state’s major universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona and Embry Riddle. The students will be honored by ACSF on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the Arizona Science Center.
“We are thrilled to have our first class of high potential, high need students receiving their degrees,” commented Vince Roig, ACSF’s board chairman. “Although ACSF helped make their dream to attend college possible, they have all worked so hard to achieve this important academic milestone that will surely open the door to many opportunities.”
As part of ACSF’s program, students participated in a 4-year program including: workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, on-campus mentoring and annual leadership symposiums which helped the students succeed in college and become better prepared for the workforce. The graduating students have earned degrees in education, business, psychology, science and journalism among others.
ACSF is a growing nonprofit, committed to providing the state's largest pool of private scholarship dollars for high potential/ low income students. Partnerships with individuals, corporations, government, philanthropists and foundations continue to build ACSF’s significant fund, which is designed to bring higher education within reach for more of Arizona's students in need.
“I am thankful that there are organizations like ACSF that help students like myself receive a college education. My four years at ASU would not have been possible if ACSF had not supported me with the necessary financial aid to pay for my education,” said Estela Barraza, ASU Class of 2010.
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships and mentoring to high potential/low income graduates of Arizona high schools. The ACSF mission is to increase the number of baccalaureate degree holders in Arizona. For more information on the Foundation’s mission and programs, visit www.azcsf.org.
Collaboration Increases Support and Partnership Between ACSF, Rodel and ASU West
January 6, 2009 - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation (ACSF) Scholars and Rodel Scholars participated in ACSF’s Annual Leadership Symposium at ASU West on Tuesday, January 6. The event was sponsored by State Farm. The ACSF Leadership Symposium provides insight on the latest trends related to Arizona’s economic forecast, business and industry while providing scholars with hands-on workshops that build essential skills such as resume writing, interviewing strategies and creating career opportunities. This event, in conjunction with the ongoing coaching and mentoring, enhances ACSF Scholars’ chances for success with degree completion and workplace preparation. Each year the event is attended by some of Arizona’s most influential leaders who come to share their knowledge to inspire Arizona’s future leaders.
“The Annual Leadership Symposium is one of the program elements that make our scholarship so unique and contributes to our outstanding retention rate,” said ACSF CEO Lisa Budinger. “We appreciate the continued support of Rodel, ASU West and State Farm and are pleased the Rodel Scholars are joining us for this important event. “
Arizona College Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships and mentoring to high potential/low income graduates of Arizona high schools. The ACSF mission is to increase the number of baccalaureate degree holders in Arizona. For more information on the Foundation’s mission and programs, contact ACSF at 602-636-1850
or visit www.azcsf.org.