The Scottsdale Charros have a rich history of supporting education through programs based within the Scottsdale Unified School District as well as education and youth programs delivered through community-based nonprofits. The Charros support the SUSD by investing not only dollars but their time as well, through the Charro Liaison Program. What makes our Liaison program so special?
There are 30 members – boots on the ground – dedicated to working with each of our 30 schools, bringing programs, resources and scholarships to the schools and recognizing the district’s outstanding students and educators.
We have an education committee which is dedicated to overseeing our education initiatives and are held accountable by our two boards of directors and our Executive Director.
We have a close relationship with the school district so that we can understand the needs of the district and the schools.
In addition to our Liaison Program, the Scottsdale Charros and The Charro Foundation are proud to host events and fund grants and scholarships for SUSD, including some of the following:
Future Teacher Scholarships >
The Future Teacher Scholarship was established by The Charro Foundation as a means to encourage high school seniors in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) to pursue a career as a teacher. Each year, two scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate outstanding achievement in academic activities, as well as non-academic activities, during their high school years. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as the student continues to meet criteria each academic year. Applications are due in November each year and recipients are notified in December with funding occurring in July.
Scottsdale Community College Scholarships >
The Scottsdale Charros have been proud supporters of Scottsdale Community College since the school’s inception in the 1960s. In the spring of 2015, the Charros introduced The Charro Foundation Scottsdale Community College Scholarship, awarding a two-year scholarship to a graduate of a high school in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Applications are due in February each year and recipients are notified in March with funding occurring in July.
Education Fellowships >
The Scottsdale Charros established the Master’s in Education Fellowship to encourage teachers in the SUSD to uphold their dedication to teaching and become more accomplished teachers by continuing their education. Each year, SUSD working teachers are awarded a $15,000 fellowship to offset the funds necessary to pursue their master’s degree in education at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, allowing them to further their education and commitment to teaching. Applications are due in February each year and recipients are notified in March, with funding occurring in July.
National Board Certification Scholarships >
In partnership with the Arizona K12 Center, The Charro Foundation is proud to support educators pursuing distinction through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) by offering $1,425 scholarships to cover the cost of the first three of the four components required for completion of the National Board Certification process. For more information or to apply for this scholarship, go to bit.ly/1Ks4A3W. Application deadline: November 29, 2015.
Education Grants >
The Charro Education Grant is intended to provide financial assistance in the amount of $12,500 to SUSD schools for projects, equipment and programs related to the classroom, athletics or infrastructure that are not currently funded through traditional funding streams. Applications are due in November each year and recipients are notified in December with funding occurring mid-January.
Project Graduation >
Over the years, the Scottsdale Charros have supported Project Graduation events in SUSD schools through The Charro Foundation and a sponsorship from DMB. To be eligible for funding, Project Graduation celebrations are required to provide a safe event at a local venue where the environment is free from alcohol, drugs and late night driving. The Charros will not fund costs for trips outside of Arizona (such as Disneyland, Six Flags, etc.). Applications are due February 1, 2016. Funds will be awarded in March 2016.
Outstanding Student and Educator Awards >
April 2016
The Scottsdale Charros believe that education is the cornerstone of any community and proudly celebrate Scottsdale’s best and brightest during the Outstanding Students & Educators Awards. Every December, principals from each of the schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) select their school’s outstanding educator of the year. Additionally, the high school principals select an outstanding male and outstanding female student of the year.
Youth Luncheon & Baseball Clinic >
January 2016
The Scottsdale Charros are dedicated to serving and supporting SUSD students, teachers and schools through a broad spectrum of educational programs, including the Youth Luncheon & Baseball Clinic. Through a partnership with the City of Scottsdale and Train Like a Big Leaguer, each year more than 300 deserving students, selected by their principals, arrive by the busloads at Scottsdale Stadium to join Major League Baseball greats for lunch and an afternoon of learning and fun on the field.