Scholarship fuels Francisco’s road to success
Francisco Tapia is an inspiring young man whose journey reflects resilience, determination, and passion. A recent graduate of Kofa High School and a current student at Arizona Western College, Francisco is also a proud recipient of the Increase my Income scholarship through the Arizona Community Foundation.
Finding His Passion
Francisco openly shares that his early academic journey wasn’t without challenges. He struggled through elementary and middle school but discovered his passion in high school when he enrolled in an automotive technology class. “My teacher was great; he really pushed me to do better,” Francisco recalls. This newfound passion became a driving force in his life.
He didn’t stop there. Francisco joined the wrestling team, which further fueled his discipline and focus. He also served as a high school ambassador, traveling to Washington, D.C., to advocate for funding Career and Technical Education programs. Additionally, he showcased his skills by competing in automotive technology competitions, earning third place in the state.
Academic Achievements
Francisco’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He graduated OSHA-certified in welding and Ford-certified in automotive technology. His dual enrollment classes in high school allowed him to start college with a competitive edge.
Despite his achievements, Francisco faced financial barriers to higher education. The cost of classes, tools, and materials required for his program was daunting. Fortunately, with the support of the ACF scholarship, Francisco is now pursuing his associate’s degree and additional certifications.
“I’m taking electrical and powertrain classes. I’m the youngest in my electrical class. Most of the other students are 30-50 years old earning certificates,” he said. Francisco aims to become fully certified in all areas of automotive technology.
Paying It Forward
Francisco’s commitment to giving back is just as impressive as his academic drive. In addition to attending classes Monday through Thursday, he serves as an Arizona Western College ambassador. In this role, he assists high school students with the application process, leads campus tours, and visits local high schools to inspire future college students.
He also volunteers as a wrestling coach at a local middle school and plans to expand his coaching to the high school level. Francisco’s dedication to mentoring younger students highlights his belief in the power of education and community support.
Inspired by Family
Francisco credits his mother as his greatest inspiration. A single mom with three children, she worked tirelessly to create a better life for her family. While raising her children, she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education.
Her perseverance and determination deeply influenced Francisco. “Knowing how much adversity my mom went through, managing family, work, and school, is why I want to pursue higher education,” he said. He also hopes to set a strong example for his younger siblings.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Francisco envisions a promising career in the automotive industry. “When I finish school, I’ll probably work at a dealership to build my reputation and maybe move up the ranks. I could join a race team or even own a dealership,” he said.
With many opportunities on the horizon, one thing is certain: the scholarship from ACF is helping Francisco Tapia create a lasting impact for his family and his community.
Investing in Futures
Awarding scholarships is one of the most rewarding forms of philanthropy. You can help students like Francisco achieve their dreams by creating a named scholarship fund or by supporting an existing scholarship fund with your gift.
If you are interested in applying for one of the hundreds of scholarships available through ACF, please fill out the General Application. Our scholarship cycle runs from January through April 15th.
Together, we can continue empowering students and transforming communities — one scholarship at a time.