The Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Sports Foundation returns for its sixth consecutive year. Applications for this year’s Empowering Diversity Scholarship are open through Friday, March 14.
With the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, the scholarships have supported the educational aspirations of 119 Arizona students in the program’s first five years and this year will support an additional 28 individuals, according to a press release.
Applications for the 2025-26 Empowering Diversity Scholarship, along with more information and FAQs, can be found at FiestaBowl.org/DiversityScholarship. Following the conclusion of the application period, this year’s recipients will be notified in late April.
“No one should face educational barriers to pursue their dreams,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. “The Empowering Diversity Scholarship aims to remove these barriers, so everyone has an equal opportunity to access education, whether that is post-secondary education or a GED. By investing today, we give our state’s residents the best opportunity to succeed in the future.”
The Empowering Diversity Scholarship, available through separate tracks for GEDs (general education development) and post-secondary education, aids students in their educational pursuits, Fiesta Sports Foundation officials report.
Arizona students, in their senior year of high school or currently attending an Arizona post-secondary institution, selected for the post-secondary track will be awarded a one-time, $5,000 scholarship with an additional $500 of wraparound support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or Education Forward Arizona. These recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, the release states.
The GED track supports residents at least 16 years of age who have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma. All recipients will receive $500 to cover fees associated with their GED assessment, including program support services provided by College Depot. In addition, recipients in this track will receive $500 in wraparound support services.
“We are happy to continue our partnership with the Fiesta Sports Foundation to support the educational aspirations of Arizonans,” said Paul Penzone, VP, chief community relations officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “By investing in education, we are fostering growth and success among our state.”
