Confident Girl With Book On University Campus

Central Arizona College English Faculty Award Scholarships to 23 Students

By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

This spring, Central Arizona College English faculty provided scholarships to 23 students, totaling $9,338. The faculty offered two types of scholarships: completion and book.

Four completion scholarships, totaling $4,638 were awarded, enabling the selected students to complete and graduate from CAC this May. Additionally, 19 book scholarships helped students purchase books and supplies at CAC’s bookstores. Each book scholarship was $250.

The completion scholarship was designed to assist CAC students who are close to completing a degree or certificate and in need of tuition assistance. To apply, students had to submit a 500+-word essay explaining why the funds were needed for completion, maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have between 3 and 18 credits remaining to complete their degree or certificate. The non-renewable scholarship covered up to 15 credit hours, with a maximum of $1,290 to be awarded per student.

The Book Scholarship requirements were slightly different. Students had to submit a 250-300 word essay on how CAC has helped them, as a student, achieve their educational goals. Students had to be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours for the spring semester, achieve a grade of B or better in ENG 101 and have selected a program of study or major.

More than 40 students applied for the available scholarship opportunities.

Ravenna Hinojosa received a book scholarship. She stated, “I am very grateful to be one of the recipients of the CAC English Department Book Scholarship. This scholarship not only covered the entire costs of my textbooks, but also essential school supplies that I needed. It really meant a lot to me to receive this funding, as it took away much of the stress that comes with the start of a new semester. I felt I was more prepared to begin classes, as I had the necessary materials and was able to put the money I would have spent on textbooks towards my tuition payment. The CAC Book Scholarship helped me work on my educational goals, since I started the spring semester without worry or stress. I would like to thank the English Department for providing this incredibly helpful scholarship.”

Jaqueline Salamanca also expressed her appreciation, “To be selected and to receive the book scholarship from the English faculty has been such an honor. It means so much to me and it contributes to my academic success. Thank you for this opportunity.”

David Pecusa was one of the four recipients of the completion scholarship. “Receiving the Completion Scholarship from CAC English Department compels a deep sense of gratitude.” He added, “Realizing that graduation is in sight, it is possible to continue higher education even though it has been many years after high school.”

Karen Hindhede, Professor of English and Literary Art & Languages Division Chair explained, “The English faculty are extremely pleased we have been able to assist so many students financially.  The money can make such a difference in students being able to complete their educational goals. We are so proud of each of these students who deserve the scholarship based on their hard work.”