Pima County Casa

Higher Education Scholarships

CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available for current or former children of the Pima County Juvenile Court who currently have a CASA, or previously had a CASA, including youth who are enrolled in Keys to Success in Pima County. The scholarship funds may be used to attend any accredited vocational, trade, or technical school; community college; or four-year college or university in Arizona.

In addition, the funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books. They also may be used for other needs, such as living expenses, with prior approval.

**Scholarships for foster youth are also available through Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF). AFFCF Scholarship information can be found at https://www.affcf.org/scholarships/

Purpose

The purpose of the CASA Support Council for Pima County scholarship program is to provide financial support for current and former CASA children in Pima County to pursue higher education.

Eligibility

  • Must be a current or former CASA child in the Pima County CASA Program
  • Must be the subject of a dependency case managed in Pima County Juvenile Court
  • Must have been awarded a high school diploma or GED certificate, or currently be a high school senior
  • Must  be accepted for admission to an accredited post-secondary institution in Arizona; may be a community college, four-year college or university; or a vocational, trade or technical institution
  • Youth are eligible to apply up to the age of 26.
  • Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in at least 12 credits per semester (fall and spring) or 6 credits for summer programs.
  • Must apply for Federal and State funds, such as Pell Grants, and receive funding from these sources prior to being awarded financial aid from the CASA Support Council.
  • Fall Semester Applications: Apply by April 1st. 
  • Spring Semester Applications: Apply by October 1st. 

Funding Guidelines

  • The maximum amount granted by the Support Council shall not exceed $2,500 per semester. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of financial need and the number of credits being taken each semester. Partial funding is available for summer programs where the student is enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
  • Funding shall remain in effect for one (1) semester.
  • Requests for additional support shall be evaluated on the basis of continued satisfactory academic progress and financial need. A term GPA of 2.75 and a minimum of 12 credit hours are required each semester.
  • Transcripts and class schedules are required each semester.
  • High school students are highly encouraged to apply for extended foster care.

Application Process

  • Complete and sign the “CSCPC Application for Higher Education Funds” (click here)
    • Provide documentation of acceptance to an accredited higher learning institution in Arizona
    • Provide FAFSA Submission Summary showing proof of application for Federal and/or State grants and amounts received
    • Provide upcoming class schedule showing enrollment in 12 credit hours. This can be provided at a later date if you are not yet enrolled in classes.
  • An interview with the CSCPC Education Committee will be set up upon receipt of these documents.
  • Following your interview with the CSCPC Education Committee, you will be asked to submit a budget showing your income, expenses, and scholarships received. This will help determine your financial need and the amount of funding to be awarded. See budget template attached: Budget Template