News & Events

375 Students Attend Second Annual Cash For College

Scholarship Awareness Night

The Third Annual Cash for College scholarship awareness night brought together 36 scholarship providers and more than 375 Yavapai County high school students and their families, and returning college students to learn about scholarship opportunities. The event, hosted by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County and sponsored by Yavapai College, is part of an ongoing effort to increase awareness about financial support for higher education available to local students.

“We are certainly proud to be partnering with local scholarship providers to make students aware of the multitude of opportunities available to them that can make secondary education more affordable,” said Carol Chamberlain, Regional Director of ACF of Yavapai County. “The Arizona Community Foundation truly values education and is the largest provider of private scholarships in the state of Arizona. We would like to see our new college graduates begin their professional lives not overwhelmed by debt but looking forward to a bright future.”

The event was organized much like an activity fair. Students and families explored different scholarship opportunities, met with representatives of the organizations offering scholarships, and learned about application deadlines and requirements.

“What I loved about this year’s event was opening young people’s eyes to the reality of scholarships,” said Chamberlain. “Many people think you either have to have straight A’s or a compelling financial need, but students’ interests and community involvement can be just as valuable in making students eligible for scholarship opportunities.”

Organizations presenting at Cash for College included local Kiwanis Clubs offering support for students with a dedication to community as well as to students seeking a vocational trade. The Mountain Artist Guild seeking to support students planning to pursue a degree in visual arts. As well as a number of scholarships open to students who have shown academic excellence, students reentering college, and many other unique opportunities.

The Arizona Community Foundation was also present, sharing information about scholarship opportunities available to Yavapai County students and the organization’s unique online application portal that automatically matches students with more than 100 scholarships for which they qualify. ACF is the largest private provider of scholarships in the state and the application portal will open on January 1, 2018.

Many of the scholarship opportunities presented at Cash for College have their application deadlines in the early spring. To receive a digital copy of the local scholarship directory provided at the event, contact Lisa Sahady at LSahady@azfoundation.org and include “Scholarship Directory” in the subject line.