Fiesta Bowl, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Create Empowering Diversity Scholarship
Application period open for $80,000 in grants for higher education
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Aug. 6, 2020 – Supporting their commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Fiesta Bowl Organization and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona have come together to create the Empowering Diversity Scholarship, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Bowl.
The total of $80,000 in awards was created to support Arizona minority residents who attend or plan to attend in-state, post-secondary institutions. There will be 16 recipients, each receiving a $5,000 grant for their higher education.
The application period is open now through Monday, August 17, at 5 p.m. PT, by visiting www.FiestaBowl.org/DiversityScholarship. Scholarship recipients will be notified on September 15.
“There are many young Arizonans who share our longstanding commitment to diversity and community, and this scholarship will help them continue to pursue their goals now and into the future,” said Pam Kehaly, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Applicants must be in their senior year of high school or college students attending an Arizona post-secondary institution (including community colleges) to be eligible. Other requirements are that applicants must be a minority, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed a minimum of 50 community service hours to benefit their communities.
“Since our founding in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has been committed to serving our community and creating opportunities for Arizonans. Working with a great partner in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, this scholarship program will enhance our community's diverse talent pool by supporting their educational, civic and career pursuits,” said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is the presenting sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl’s robust, year-round 3,000-person volunteer program. The Fiesta Bowl Organization and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona have also completed several community initiatives together, including the GUINNESS World Record for largest game of freeze tag, set on November 13, 2019, and building a resource room at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona in Prescott in December 2019.
About Fiesta Bowl
Since 1971, 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 during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-It®, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.
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 focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.7 million customers. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is inspiring health in Arizona. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company, and its subsidiaries, employ more than 2,400 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com.
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)