Community Service Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Arizona

Award Amount: $3,000 - $5,000 per recipient (30 high school seniors awarded $96,000 total in 2024)

Focus Areas: Supporting high school seniors who have completed significant community service and are enrolling in Arizona colleges or universities

Eligibility Requirements

• High school seniors graduating in current year
• Completed minimum of 50 hours of community service in the past year
• Maintain minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
• Enroll in an accredited Arizona college or university for Fall semester
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be a Desert Financial Credit Union member OR be related to a member

Selection Criteria

• Community service hours (top recipients with 775+ hours receive $5,000 awards)
• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Commitment to community engagement

Additional Benefits

• Recipients receive a gift bag including iPad, iPad case, Apple Pencil, school supplies and snacks
• Scholarship ceremony recognition event

Background

Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships since 2015. In 2024, nearly 250 Arizona students applied for 60 available scholarships across both programs.

Application Process

1. Complete online application form (visit DesertFinancial.com/Scholarships)
2. Submit required materials:
   • Personal information and contact details
   • High school information and graduation date
   • Documentation of minimum 50 hours community service
   • Official transcript showing minimum 3.0 GPA
   • Proof of enrollment or acceptance to Arizona college/university
   • Financial need documentation
   • Proof of Desert Financial Credit Union membership (applicant or family member)
3. Application review by Desert Financial Foundation selection committee
4. Notification of award status
5. Attendance at Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony (May)

Contact: Nina Tekwani, Director of Brand Communications
Email: press@desertfinancial.com