The Monthly Newsletter

1. Chandler Education Foundation – Specifically for CUSD seniors. A great local starting point.
2. Arizona Community Foundation – One application unlocks access to many Arizona-based scholarships.
3. Neely Foundation – One senior is selected from each CUSD high school (excluding ACP). Someone at each high school will receive the $4,000 per year for four years — but you must apply to be considered.
4. Dorrance Scholarship Programs – Excellent opportunity for first-generation college students attending an Arizona public university.
5. Flinn Foundation – Extremely competitive but highly prestigious; provides a full ride to Arizona public universities.
6. Local Rotary Clubs (Chandler/Gilbert chapters) – Community service–focused scholarships awarded by local Rotary chapters, often emphasizing leadership and service.
7. Chandler & Gilbert Chambers of Commerce – Business community scholarships recognizing academic achievement, community involvement, and career potential.
8. Employer-based scholarships (Boeing Mesa, Intel Chandler, Banner Health, etc.) – Awards sponsored by local employers, often emphasizing STEM, workforce readiness, or community connection.
9. Faith-based or community organization scholarships – Scholarships offered by churches, service groups, and nonprofit organizations that support members or local youth aligned with their mission.

Many of the scholarships listed above are statewide opportunities. Additionally:

• Arizona Board of Regents merit scholarships (through ASU, NAU, UofA) – Students are automatically considered based on GPA and academic performance once they apply to the college. This requires strong planning and focus throughout high school.
• University-specific scholarships – Once admitted to a state university, students can apply through internal scholarship portals such as Scholarship Universe (ASU, UofA, NAU).
• Exceptional PSAT performance during junior year may qualify a student for National Merit recognition and related scholarships.

Important Reminder

FAFSA completion can unlock state and institutional need-based aid. Seniors/parents should complete the FAFSA beginning October 1 and continue filing it every year they are in college.

There isn't just one golden window, but here's a general breakdown:

Fall of Senior Year (Sept–Nov)

• Competitive, high-profile scholarships (Flinn, Dorrance)
• University priority scholarship deadlines
• National merit-based awards

Winter–Early Spring (Dec–March)

• Most local scholarships
• Community foundation awards
• School-based scholarships

Spring (March–May)

• Smaller local awards
• Final or last-minute opportunities

Students should apply throughout their entire senior year and continue applying for scholarships each year while in college.

1. Ignoring word count limits
2. Submitting generic essays that could apply to anyone
3. Failing to proofread
4. Missing deadlines (even by minutes)
5. Not answering every part of a multi-part question
6. Asking for recommendation letters at the last minute
7. Not tailoring essays to the organization's mission
8. Failing to clearly answer the question: “Why you?”

Students should search the college name + “Common Data Set” and review:

• Middle 50% SAT/ACT score range
• Percentage of admitted students who submitted scores

Submit your scores if:

• Your score is at or above the school's median (50th percentile or higher)
• It strengthens your academic profile
• It qualifies you for automatic merit scholarships

If not, it is perfectly acceptable to withhold scores at many schools. Submit strategically.

1. Joining 8–10 clubs just to appear “well-rounded”
2. Taking an overwhelming AP load that harms GPA and mental health
3. Holding leadership titles without meaningful contribution or measurable impact

Colleges value initiative, leadership, impact, growth, and authenticity. Depth over breadth is almost always more powerful.

Selective colleges often look for:

• Intellectual vitality
• Demonstrated passion
• Evidence of impact

A student who is deeply engaged in 1–3 meaningful areas and can clearly articulate growth and contribution often stands out more than someone who “did a little bit of everything.”