Fiesta Sports Foundation Open Applications for Sixth Annual Empowering Diversity Scholarship

Funding the educational goals for Arizonans across the state, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Sports Foundation returns for its sixth consecutive year. Applications for this year’s Empowering Diversity Scholarship are open through Friday, March 14 at 5 p.m. MST.
 
With the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, the scholarships have supported the educational aspirations of 119 Arizona students in its first five years and this year will support an additional 28 individuals. 
 
Applications for the 2025-26 Empowering Diversity Scholarship, along with more information and FAQs, can be found at FiestaBowl.org/DiversityScholarship. Following the conclusion of the application period, this year’s recipients will be notified in late April.
 
“No one should face educational barriers to pursue their dreams,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. “The Empowering Diversity Scholarship aims to remove these barriers, so everyone has an equal opportunity to access education, whether that is post-secondary education or a GED. By investing today, we give our state’s residents the best opportunity to succeed in the future.”
 
We are committed to increasing educational opportunities for all. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship, available through separate tracks for GEDs (general education development) and post-secondary education, aids students in their educational pursuits.
 
Last year, 28 Arizonans were recipients of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship with 15 in the post-secondary track and 13 in the GED track.
 
Arizona students, in their senior year of high school or currently attending an Arizona post-secondary institution, selected for the post-secondary track will be awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship with an additional $500 of wraparound support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or Education Forward Arizona. These recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
 
The GED track supports residents at least 16 years of age who have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma. All recipients will receive $500 to cover fees associated with their GED assessment, including program support services provided by College Depot. In addition, recipients in this track will receive $500 in wraparound support services.
 
“We are happy to continue our partnership with the Fiesta Bowl to support the educational aspirations of Arizonans,” said Paul Penzone, VP, Chief Community Relations Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “By investing in education, we are fostering growth and success among our state.”
 
By ensuring that Arizona’s underrepresented residents, who make up the 10th most diverse state in the U.S., have access to post-secondary education – or a GED – these individuals will be better positioned to achieve a higher quality of life.
 
To view last year’s recipients of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship, click here.
 
ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation 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 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable resources to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.