Pima County Casa

Keys to Success and CASA Support Council Scholarship Program

Keys to Success (KTS) Program

KTS helps CASA youth ages 16 and older who are aging out of the foster care system receive career, education, employment development and life skills needed to achieve their goals.  KTS in Pima County was implemented in June 2023 through the CASA Support Council’s partnership with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation.

Eligibility Requirements include:

  • CASA youth must reside in Pima County, Maricopa, or Yavapai
  • Can participate if adopted or placed in legal guardianship after age 15
  • Youth has reunified with biological family after age 14
  • Youth was in care at age 18, even if youth did not enter “extended foster care”
  • Youth must demonstrate a commitment to engage in the career development services provided by their Keys to Success team
  • Youth must sign the youth participation contract that outlines expected commitments, responsibilities and behaviors

Youth can be referred by a CASA or can choose to refer themselves at: https:affcf.org/ways-we-help/keys-to-success#refer.
For additional questions, please contact Linda Koral at [email protected].

**CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available for present 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 adjudicated 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
  • 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.

Funding Guidelines

  • The maximum amount granted by the Support Council shall not exceed $5000 per semester.
  • 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.
  • Transcripts for each semester are required

Application Process

  • Complete and sign the “CSCPC Application for Higher Education Funds” (click here)
  • Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED certification, or high school standing
  • Provide documentation of acceptance to an accredited higher learning institution in Arizona
  • Provide proof of application for Federal and/or State grants and amounts received
  • Interview with the CSCPC Education Committee will be set up upon receipt of these documents