Community Service Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Arizona

Focus Areas: Education; support for high school seniors who volunteer in their communities

Eligibility

• High school seniors graduating in current year
• Minimum 50 hours of community service in the past year
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Must enroll in an Arizona college or university for Fall semester
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be or be related to a Desert Financial Credit Union member

Award Details

• Number of Awards: 30 high school seniors annually
• Total Annual Funding: $96,000 (based on 2024 cycle)
• Top Scholarships: $5,000 (3 awards)
• Standard Scholarships: $3,000 (27 awards)
• Recipients also receive gifts including iPad, iPad case, Apple Pencil, snacks, and school supplies

Background

Desert Financial Foundation launched its scholarship programs to support students seeking to better their lives through education. As of 2024, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since 2015. Combined recipients have provided over 4,100 hours of community service annually.

Application Process

Application Period: Applications accepted on a rolling basis (deadline typically late April based on 2024 cycle)

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Documentation of minimum 50 hours community service
• Official transcript showing minimum 3.0 GPA
• Proof of enrollment in Arizona college/university for Fall semester
• Demonstration of financial need
• Proof of Desert Financial Credit Union membership (applicant or family member)

Selection Criteria:

• Community service hours and impact
• Academic achievement (3.0+ GPA)
• Financial need
• Commitment to education

Award Notification: Selected recipients are invited to Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony for celebration and award distribution (typically held in May)