Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Bowl Grant $93,000 to 30 Empowering Diversity Scholarship Winners

Scholarships awarded to 15 post-secondary, 15 GED scholarship recipients

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Continuing their commitment to support educational achievement as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, Fiesta Bowl and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) have selected 30 Arizonans for the second annual Empowering Diversity Scholarship.

The Empowering Diversity Scholarship was created to support Arizona’s minority residents with their educational goals, with a grand total of $93,000 in financial awards to the 30 individuals.

“I am inspired by this year's scholarship applicants and the stories they shared,” said Pam Kehaly, Chief Executive Officer and President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “We congratulate each and every recipient and hope this scholarship propels them to even greater heights.”

This year there were two tracks for the Empowering Diversity Scholarship. The 15 post-secondary recipients received $5,500 each for their pursuit of higher education while the 15 GED recipients each received $700 to cover GED-related fees and additional study resources. 

The GED (general education development) Track was open to Arizona residents 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 was open to Arizona resident minority students in their senior year of high school or college students attending an Arizona post-secondary institution (including four-year colleges or universities, two-year colleges, vocational-technical schools and programs, and life skills programs).

"Championing diversity and inclusion is necessary to support and enhance our community. This program provides opportunities for our future leaders to take the next step in their journeys," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director, Mike Nealy. "We are happy to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona again for this important scholarship program because our organizations share the same commitment and values of enhancing the lives of Arizonans."

Since inception in 2020, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship has awarded $173,000 to Arizona minority students pursuing their educational goals.

The 30 scholarship winners for 2021 are listed here with capsules on their backgrounds.