The Scottsdale Charros have been proud supporters of Scottsdale’s front-line workers including nurses. This $5,000 two-year scholarship is awarded to a Scottsdale resident who is pursuing a degree in nursing-related studies at Scottsdale Community College or one of the following universities: GCU, ASU, UA or NAU. 

One scholarship recipient receives $2,500 in July of 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year and $2,500 in July of 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year. These funds are drawn upon as needed, based upon the number of credit hours the scholarship recipient takes their first year. These funds may be used for the following:

1. Tuition and fees at Scottsdale Community College or one of the following universities: GCU, ASU, UA or NAU.
2. The cost of books and educational supplies required for a course of study.
3. Miscellaneous school expenses such as parking fees, technology, etc.

All scholarship recipients must meet the qualifications outlined in the following scholarship application. Completed applications must be submitted to The Charro Foundation by February 28, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered for scholarship funding.

The scholarship recipient will be notified in March 2025, after the application review and assessment process is complete.  Recipient will be honored at our Scottsdale Charros Education Awards event on April 25, 2025.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Arizona for at least two consecutive years and be graduated from a Scottsdale Unified School District high school. 
• Attain a cumulative grade-point average of no less than 2.5 in high school academic subjects.
• Provide evidence of leadership experience and significant interest in one or more extracurricular and community activities.

Your application will consist of the following elements:

• Applicant Information Form: provides basic applicant information and also provides an opportunity to list your accomplishments and tell the selection committee about your interests.
• Applicant Essay: 500-word essay addressing the following: “How pursuing nursing will help me contribute to the community of Scottsdale in the future.” 
• Professional Reference: Must be completed by a supervisor or colleague before February 28, 2025. Share THIS LINK with your selected reference. You will want to select a reference who best knows your performance and capabilities and can effectively and fairly assess your potential as a nursing student. 
• Guidance Counselor Reference: Your guidance counselor will need to submit a report that includes transcripts. Please share this link with your guidance counselor and remind them of the February 28, 2025 deadline.
  
  GUIDANCE COUNSELOR REPORT

Selection Process

An initial review of applications will be made by the Scottsdale Charros and staff. Completed and qualified applications will then be assessed by a review panel on the basis of the applicant’s overall record of achievements, and activities; together with an appraisal of the qualities of intellect and character by student-selected references.  Candidates will be considered without consideration of race, gender, color, religion, physical handicap, age and national origin. The following criteria are considered in selecting scholarship recipients: 1) academic assessment, 2) essay, 3) personal achievement. 

Reporting

At the end of each academic year, the scholarship recipient must submit to The Charro Foundation evidence of performance in the form of a written progress report on courses taken, grades earned, participation in campus community activities and other pertinent experiences.  Among the renewal criteria required is proof of a 2.5 overall grade point average at the end of each year.  If your accomplishments are found to be satisfactory, the scholarship is renewed for the 2026-2027 academic year. If your course of study is interrupted for religious missions or extenuating personal circumstances, the scholarship support may be deferred up to one year.

Additional Information

• If your course of study is interrupted for religious missions or extenuating personal circumstances, the scholarship support may be deferred up to two years.
• You may transfer from SCC or one Arizona state university to another Arizona state university during or between academic years within university requirements.  The scholarship cannot be transferred to any college or university, other than the following universities (GCU, ASU, UA or NAU).
• You must enroll in and maintain enrollment in pre-nursing studies.

If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email sarah@charros.com