Twenty Arizona residents were awarded the Empowering Diversity Scholarship ahead of the 2026-27 academic year through a partnership between Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). Scholarship funds will provide financial support for recipients pursuing post-secondary education or completing their GED (General Educational Development).

Over the program's seven years, the scholarship has been awarded to 164 Arizonans, including this year's recipients. The 20 individuals received a total of $87,500 in financial awards and wraparound support.

"One of the most transformative investments we can make is in people, and this year's Empowering Diversity Scholarship recipients remind us why," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. "This year's recipients include future physicians, engineers, nurses and tradespeople, each breaking barriers and carrying a vision for how they will give back to their communities. Fiesta Sports Foundation is proud to be a part of these students' journeys and aid them as they take the next steps toward achieving their goals."

This year's $87,500 of funding increases the scholarship's cumulative total to $627,000 in seven years. With support from AZ Blue, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship debuted in 2020 as a way for both organizations to support Arizonans in their educational journeys.

On the post-secondary track, 15 high school graduating seniors and current college students received $5,500 each in scholarship awards and wraparound support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or Education Forward Arizona. Five additional Arizona residents received assistance in obtaining their GED through a $1,000 award geared towards fees associated with their GED assessment, education-related resources and program support services provided by College Depot.

"We are honored to support these incredible students as they take the next step in their educational journeys," said Paul Penzone, Chief Community Relations Officer at AZ Blue. "These scholars have shown a deep commitment to their education, their future, and the communities around them. We're proud to celebrate their achievements and assist them as they pursue what's ahead."

Six scholarship recipients will be or are currently attending Arizona State University, with five planning to or currently attending the University of Arizona and two recipients each at Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University. The remaining five are pursuing their GEDs.
Showcasing statewide impact, this year's 20 recipients are spread across four Arizona counties: Apache, Maricopa, Pima and Yuma.

The scholarship plays a vital role in ensuring that Arizona's underrepresented residents, who make up the 10th most diverse state in the U.S., do not face barriers to education and can position themselves to achieve their life dreams and goals.
More information about the Empowering Diversity Scholarship may be found at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.fiestasportsfoundation.org/sports/2020/7/28/empowering-diversity-scholarship.aspx" target="_blank">FiestaSportsFoundation.org/DiversityScholarship</a>.

Fiesta Sports Foundation and AZ Blue Select 20 Arizonans for 2026-27 Empowering Diversity Scholarship 

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Fiesta Sports Foundation and AZ Blue Select 20 Arizonans for 2026-27 Empowering Diversity Scholarship