Applications Open for Third Annual Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Bowl and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Grants available for GED track and post-secondary students
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – To continue their efforts in supporting Arizona minority residents’ educational goals and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the Fiesta Bowl Organization and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona have opened applications for the third year of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship.
In its first two years, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Bowl and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona awarded $173,000 to 46 Arizona minority students through grants to pursue their GED or post-secondary goals.
The application period runs through Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. MST. Recipients will be announced on Friday, June 3. The application, frequently asked questions, opportunities to donate, and more information can be found at FiestaBowl.org/DiversityScholarship
“Education is such a positive predictor of health and overall quality of life, and we are proud to be a part of the success of these students, said Pam Kehaly, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “We are grateful for our partnership with Fiesta Bowl, and for the opportunity to continue enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our state.”
There are two tracks for the Empowering Diversity Scholarship:
The GED (general education development) track is open to minority individuals living in Arizona who are interested in obtaining their GED. The scholarship will cover fees associated with the assessment and additional program support services provided by College Depot.
The post-secondary track is open to minority students living in Arizona, in their senior year of high school or college students attending an Arizona post-secondary institution. Recipients will be awarded a $5,000 grant with additional support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or College Success Arizona for their pursuit of higher education.
“Partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to further diversity, equity and inclusion is an important aspect of our mission to enhance the lives of Arizonans. There are students whose future depends on programs like this,” said Fiesta Bowl Interim Executive Director Jim Hatfield. “In the two years of the program, we have seen how students advance their opportunities in life through the services they are able to benefit from through this scholarship.”
According to the Arizona Board of Regents, enrollment of historically underrepresented populations increased to 30 percent at Arizona public universities last year. The goal of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship is to help this upward trend continue as well as help students achieve all of their higher education dreams.
Since its inception, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship has assisted Arizona minority students with their educational goals. Recipients have attended post-secondary institutions across Arizona, including Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Grand Canyon University, Coconino Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
In 2021, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship introduced its GED track to assist those continuing their educational journey through that pathway. Recipients consisted of single mothers, parents of special needs children and people that moved to Arizona for a better life.
Click here for a list of past recipients, their educational goals and quotes.
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION The Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year round, during and outside of Bowl Season.
ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA Blue Cross ® Blue Shield ® of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a mission to inspire health and make it easy, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.9 million customers. BCBSAZ, a non-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 2,500 people in its Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter,LinkedIn or Facebook.
On the Web: www.FiestaBowl.org, www.AZBlue.com Social Media: @Fiesta_Bowl, @BCBSAZ Media Contacts: Scott Leightman (sleightman@fiestabowl.org; 480.517.6291); Alex Nash (anash@fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0925); Amanda Siedler (amanda.siedler@azblue.com)