The Scottsdale Charros have a long history of supporting Scottsdale’s youth through scholarships, grants, and other education-based initiatives. The Scottsdale Charros are grateful for Save Haven Defense and the Johnson family’s interest in and support of our important work to improve education in the Scottsdale community.
The Scottsdale Charros Safe Haven scholarship is designed to recognize one student graduating from an SUSD high school in 2024 demonstrated superior achievement with a $50,000 scholarship. Attending an SUSD public high school is a requirement to receive this scholarship.
Candidates will have exemplary grades, involvement in campus and/or civic life, and excelled in extra-curricular activities during their high school career, including, but not limited to athletics, drama, academic endeavors and pursuits, student government, music and the arts, etc.
The $50,000 will be awarded over four years at $12,500 per year and be distributed directly to either Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University. Funds can be used for:
- Tuition and fees.
- Room and board expenses.
- The cost of books and educational supplies required for a course of study.
- Miscellaneous living and 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 March 23, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered for scholarship funding.
The scholarship recipient will be notified in early April 2024, after the application review and assessment process is complete. Recipient will be honored at our Scottsdale Charros Education Awards event on April 19, 2024. Attending this event is a requirement to receive the scholarship.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U. S. citizen and legal resident of the State of Arizona
- Have no less than a 3.5 cumulative grade point average in high school academic subjects.
- Be graduating from an SUSD high school in spring of 2024.
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 outlining your academic aspirations and how your high school experience helped or hindered these aspirations. High consideration is given to this essay when choosing a scholarship recipient.
- Teacher/Professional Reference: Must be downloaded, completed by a teacher and uploaded with your application or emailed directly to sarah@charros.com. We ask for a recommendation from one of your classroom teachers. You will want to select a teacher who best knows your performance and capabilities and can effectively and fairly assess your potential as a scholar.
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 student’s overall record of achievements, and activities; together with an appraisal of the qualities of intellect and character by student-selected references. We also consider the list of school and community experiences you submit as part of your application. We look for sustained interest as well as diversity. It is insufficient to “load up” on school organizations in the senior year, for example. The key for us is persistence, and an indication from you as to which activities are most meaningful.
For example, many scholars have well-developed musical talent or other artistic skills, though they may not aspire to be professional musicians or artists. We value knowing of this interest and the level of mastery. Attainment in athletics is similarly valued.
We also look for evidence of leadership in your election or appointment to important school offices, school and community awards received, etc. Initiatives in organizing church or community volunteer projects are also important to us. Some students have carried a demanding academic load as well as held a part-time job through school. In these instances, we like to learn why the student chose to work and how these demands on time are balanced.
A student’s high school academic record — grades, types of courses taken, grade trends — towers above all other factors in the application review process. In assessing academic performance, we ask ourselves one overriding question: “How well has this student utilized the academic resources available in the school and community.” We examine the high school transcript, paying close attention to the scope and rigor of the academic program.
Candidates will be considered without consideration of race, gender, color, religion, physical handicap, age and national origin.
Reporting
At the end of each academic year, you must submit to the Scottsdale Charros 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 3.5 overall grade point average at the end of the year and you must maintain full-time student status each semester. If your accomplishments are found to be satisfactory, the scholarship is renewed for an additional academic 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 one Arizona state university to another during or between academic years within university requirements. The scholarship cannot be transferred to any university, other than the following universities (Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University. ).
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please call the Scottsdale Charros office at (480) 990-2977.