Surprise Sundancers Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown, Waddell, or Wickenburg, Arizona

Overview:
The Surprise Sundancers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to deserving youth in the Northwest Valley. Since 2006, they have awarded over $1.794 million in scholarships. The 2026 season marks the organization's milestone of giving out more than $2.389 million in total donations to the youth of the Northwest Valley.

Award Amounts:

• Mark Coronado Scholarship (Tier 1): Up to $5,000 for first-year recipients (top-rated applicants)
• Tier 1 Scholarship: $2,000 for first-year recipients
• Tier 2 Scholarship: $1,500 for first-year recipients
• Returning Scholar: $1,000 for additional one-year awards

Historical awards (2024): $163,500 to 94 scholars; (2022): $94,500 to 49 scholars

Eligibility Requirements:

• High school graduate or graduating from an accredited high school in Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown, Waddell, or Wickenburg
• Planning to begin full-time college studies within four months of high school completion
• Admitted to an accredited university or community college for full-time undergraduate study
• Demonstrated evidence of high engagement in the community
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Student athlete with evidence of participation in school-sponsored athletic programs (including Spiritline, athletic training, Cheer, and Pom)
• OR Past recipient of a Sundancers Scholarship (for returning applicants)

Application Process:
The scholarship application process is managed by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), which manages more than 120 scholarship funds for organizations throughout Arizona. Eligibility for awards is determined based on answers to questions and essays on the General Application and review and scoring by Surprise Sundancers evaluators and independent outside evaluators using blind ranking criteria.

Funding Sources:

• Proceeds from the annual Sundancers charity game
• Proceeds from the 50/50 daily game raffle (in operation since 2014, generating over $340,000 in donations to 31 local youth-serving organizations)
• Other donations

The Mark Coronado Scholarship:
In 2018, the Surprise Sundancers endowed high-value scholarships in honor of Mark Coronado, a respected community leader who served as Director of Community & Recreation Services for the City of Surprise and was instrumental in bringing the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals to Spring Training in Surprise. Mark was committed to making recreational programs accessible and affordable to all youth. The top-rated first-year scholarship recipients are designated as Mark Coronado Scholars, continuing into the future.

Contact:

• Website: surprisesundancers.org
• Address: 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise, Arizona 85374
• Email: info@surprisesundancers.org
• Phone: (623) 222-2263 (Travis Ashby)
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Apply

1. Visit the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Portal
   • Beginning January 1, 2027 (for 2027 season), visit: https://www.azfoundation.org/Scholarships
   • Click on "Begin Your Application"
2. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2027 (for 2027 season)
3. Required Application Materials:
   • General Application form (questions and essays)
   • Answers to ACF-provided questions
   • Essays demonstrating engagement and commitment
4. Evaluation Process:
   • Applications are evaluated by independent evaluators
   • Evaluators score applications using blind ranking based on criteria provided by ACF
   • Evaluations are forwarded to the Surprise Sundancers Board of Directors for final award decisions
5. Additional Support:
   • Applicants can work with their school counselors for assistance in filling out the application
6. Award Notification:
   • Scholarship recipients are notified of their awards by the Arizona Community Foundation
   • Scholarship awards are typically announced around mid-April
7. Award Presentation:
   • Scholarships are traditionally presented during the March Spring Training night game at Surprise Stadium (though presentation methods may vary)