ASCF Scholar Programs
Within ACSF, there are several scholar programs. All ACSF scholars receive up to a $6000 annual scholarship for four years toward the cost of college attendance. In addition, scholars receive a network of support services, including on-campus mentoring, bi-monthly coaching from ACSF staff, regular group trainings and workplace mentoring. To be eligible for any of the ACSF scholar programs, students must be recommended by one of ACSF's partner organizations.
Helios-ACSF Scholars
In May 2006, ACSF received a $10 million grant from the Helios Education Foundation. The grant created an endowment fund that will provide 80 college scholarships per year to high potential/low-income students in perpetuity. Currently, there are 80 Helios-ACSF Scholars attending three public universities, one private university and several community colleges statewide. Led by Vince Roig, the Helios Education Foundation is the largest education foundation in Arizona.
ACSF-Carstens Scholars
A generous donation from the late philanthropist William Carstens provided funding for the Arizona College Scholarship Foundation's first cohort of scholars. The seven original ACSF-Carstens scholars currently attend colleges and universities in Maricopa County. Deborah Carstens has generously funded two more cohorts of students through the Carstens Family Fund.
ACSF-SRP Scholar
During the summer of 2006, SRP announced the first corporate endowment gift to ACSF. The $125,000 endowment will support one SRP scholar in perpetuity. SRP contributes more than $1.3 million annually to educational programs for students and teachers throughout Arizona to create a well-trained workforce to meet their business needs and to help ensure longstanding economic vitality for our state.
ACSF-Dan Quayle Christmas Classic Scholars
A golf tournament hosted by Dan Quayle has been providing funding for three scholarships annually. ACSF-Dan Quayle Christmas Classic Scholars may attend colleges or universities throughout the state. The $75,000 scholarship commitment is funded through the generosity of Thunderbirds Charities.
ACSF-GEAR UP Scholars
Northern Arizona University Gear Up has committed a total of $10.4 million in scholarship funds to ACSF. The funds, which will be disbursed in 2007-2012, will provide more than 500 GEAR UP graduates with four-year scholarships toward their college education. GEAR UP is a national initiative, funded under the U.S. Department of Education, whose mission is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to succeed in education beyond high school.
ACSF-Legacy Scholars
In September 2006, the BHHS Legacy Foundation announced a grant that will support 15 ACSF-Legacy Scholars in 2007. The scholarship is for students pursuing a major in healthcare. The BHHS Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports the health and quality of life of Arizona children, families and seniors.
ACSF-USA Funds Scholars
In February 2007, United Student Aid Funds, Inc. (USA Funds) awarded ACSF a $100,000 grant toward the ACSF scholarship endowment. The grant will fund ACSF scholars for years to come. USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that works to enhance postsecondary-education preparedness, access and success by providing and supporting financial and other valued services.
D-backs Helios Scholars
Starting in the Fall 2012 Semester, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Helios Education Foundation partnered together to provide four year scholarships to eight incoming students for a 5 year period. With a combined pledge of $1,000,000 this partnership will support 40 college students during it's tenure, enabling them to pursue their dreams.
