Valley Guardians Trade School Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Arizona

Program Focus: Need- and merit-based scholarship available to exceptional high-school students and adults in Arizona who need financial support to continue their dreams and success through trade or vocational education.

Target Population

• High school students and older
• Living in Arizona
• Open regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other background factors
• Those pursuing trade or vocational education programs
• Students who have done all they can to support themselves but still need additional financial assistance
• Those who have made significant achievements despite overwhelming adversity in their lives
• Those who have pursued continuous improvement and want to add value to society
• Those facing uncommon challenges for their age

Award Amount

• Base Award: $1,000 - $3,000
• Additional funding available depending on the student applicant's unique circumstances including:
  • Financial need
  • Effort demonstrated
  • Program type
  • Program length
  • Other individual circumstances

Award Components

In addition to financial support for chosen trade or vocational program, scholars receive support in:

Leadership

• Coaching from Valley Guardians professionals
• Demonstration of how successful people live and operate

School

• Help creating a sustainable financial plan for chosen trade or vocation
• Support in obtaining certifications

Professional Life

• Assistance with identifying and applying for jobs, internships, or volunteer positions
• Support related to student's field of choice

Selection Criteria

Winners are selected based on three distinct criteria:

1. Financial need
2. Personal accountability
3. Past achievements

Contact Information

• Address: 14555 N Scottsdale Rd STE 200, Scottsdale AZ 85254
• Website: valleyguardians.com
• Submission Email: Team@LeadAZ.org

Application Process

Application Status: Accepting Applications (Ongoing)

Submission: Submit to Team@LeadAZ.org for evaluation by the Selection Committee

Freeze Period: Applications will not be processed from 5/15/2025 – 7/31/2025

Step-by-Step Process

1. Application Submission
   • Submit completed application to Team@LeadAZ.org
   • Incomplete applications will be disqualified
2. Initial Interview
   • Applicant will be scheduled to meet with the Leadership Society of Arizona (LSA) for an initial interview
3. Financial Planning Meeting
   • If applicant passes the interview, LSA will schedule a time to visit their home office
   • LSA will help applicant put together a financial plan based on their needs
4. Committee Evaluation
   • Once complete, LSA will submit the financial plan to the Selection Committee for evaluation and determination
5. Committee Interview
   • Select candidates will be invited to virtually meet the full Selection Committee for a personal presentation and interview
   • Each presentation/interview is expected to be around 20 minutes
6. Final Selection
   • The Selection Committee will identify if the applicant was selected
   • LSA will begin the onboarding process
7. Award Announcement (Ongoing)
   • Students accepted will be invited to virtually meet with the Selection Committee to receive their awarded scholarship