Helen Pernell Community Scholarship

Helen Pernell Community Scholarship: Advancing Education for Chandler Adults

The Helen Pernell Community Scholarship provides essential financial aid to Chandler residents who are high school graduates, including those re-entering college or trade school. Named after the club's founding president, this scholarship supports students attending accredited Arizona institutions who demonstrate strong character, academic potential, and financial need.

History: Chandler Service Club awarded its first academic scholarship, a $500 award, in 1958. It was later named the Helen Pernell University Scholarship in honor of founding member and first president, Helen Handley Pernell.

Geographic Scope: Chandler, Arizona residents only

Eligibility:

• Must be a high school graduate (minimum)
• Must be a resident of Chandler
• May be attending college/trade school for the first time, re-entering after a lapse of time, or returning student
• Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Must be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 units or credits per semester) at an accredited public or private community college, trade school, or university within Arizona
• Must maintain minimum 2.5 GPA as scholarship recipient
• Proof of enrollment required prior to receiving funds each semester

Award Details:

• Awarded for one academic year (not automatically renewable)
• May re-apply for each academic year if all requirements met
• Maximum of five consecutive academic years for same individual
• Funds paid directly to school prior to each semester
• For tuition, books, and academic-related fees

Special Note: Previous Chandler Service Club Community Scholarship recipients (prior to 2015) attending out-of-state schools are grandfathered and may re-apply.

Contact:

• Billie Ross
• Mailing: Chandler Service Club Community Scholarships, P.O. Box 1243, Chandler, AZ 85244

Application Requirements

Submission Method: Documents accepted online, email, or mail. Faxed copies will NOT be accepted.

Deadline: March 31, 2026 (next deadline is March 31, 2027)

Application Components:

1. Typed and Signed Application Form (required)
   • Personal information (name, address, contact info, employment status, etc.)
   • Academic information (school history, planned enrollment, credit hours, GPA, major)
   • Financial information (income sources, expenses, FAFSA status, family contribution)
2. Essay (required)
   • Maximum 1,000 words
   • Must describe: personal background, educational goals, career goals, and financial circumstances affecting ability to afford education
   • Must explain how scholarship will assist in achieving goals
   • Essays exceeding 1,000 words will be disqualified
3. For First-Time College Students:
   • High school transcript
   • One (1) letter of recommendation from non-relatives attesting to character and potential for success
   • May include former teachers, advisors, or employers
4. For Re-Entry and Returning College/Trade School Students:
   • College/trade school transcript from most recent school attended
   • Three (3) letters of recommendation from non-relatives attesting to character and potential for success
   • May include former or current teachers, advisors, counselors, or employers
5. Signed Affidavit (required)
   • Certifying all information is true and correct
   • Authorizing disclosure to third parties for scholarship consideration
   • Authorizing release of information for publicity purposes
   • Agreement to notify Chandler Service Club of any changes affecting eligibility (withdrawal, dropping classes, change in full-time status, receipt of excess funds)

Important Notes:

• All documents must be completed and submitted by deadline
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
• Scholarship recipients notified in May
• Proof of enrollment required prior to receiving funds each semester