SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. August 12, 2025. The University South Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization has marked its largest scholarship year to date, awarding $118,300 to 26 students across Cochise County and Southeastern Arizona for the 2025 academic year. This year also marks a historic milestone for the Foundation surpassing $1 million in total scholarships awarded since the program began in 2011. Every dollar has been raised locally and awarded locally, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to invest directly in the students and communities it serves.

 

“Very few communities can say they’ve raised one million dollars in scholarship funds — and for a small, rural county like ours, that’s nothing short of extraordinary. It stands as a powerful testament to the strength, generosity, and unity of our people. This is support by our community, for our community — and it speaks volumes about who we are and what we believe in,” USF Scholarship Committee Chair Rachel Hansen said.

 

Many of this year’s recipients are non-traditional and first-generation college students balancing full-time jobs, raising children, and taking night classes. These scholarships come with one defining condition: that recipients reside and remain in Cochise County, a condition that turns into an opportunity for those who understand the power of place.

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“We owe a world of gratitude to our partners and our sponsors, the individuals, local businesses, and corporate professionals who made these scholarships possible. In a world full of distant philanthropy, their support stands out because it is personal. They aren’t just writing checks - they are showing up to know names, shake hands, meet families, and truly help these students take a step forward. That is the power of local sponsorship. It’s not charity. It’s legacy,” said USF President Callie Groth.

 

This year’s scholarships were made possible thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, including: Pizzeria Mimosa, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), Arizona Complete Health, ASRC Federal, Ala’kaina, IME Becas, Pioneer Title, Arizona G&T Cooperatives, Cox Communications, Huachuca Astronomy Club, City of Douglas, Herald/Review Media, BlackBar Cattle Company, Long Realty Cares Foundation, Allo Fiber, RL Workman Homes, American Southwest Credit Union, ISC Consulting, Amentum, Hariolation LLC, Friends of Education Unidos, Rainey Pain & Performance, Mandy Gold Team at Haymore Real Estate, Legacy Foundation of Southeastern Arizona, Ace Hardware, Borowiec & Borowiec, Grasshopper Landscaping, Sierra Vista Tile, National Bank of Arizona, Southwest Gas, Drs. Shaun & Yanny Phillips, Dr. Gary Packard, and Steve Hester & Patty Carnovale.

 

Since its inception, the scholarship program has been fueled entirely by local sponsorships, with 100% of sponsorship dollars going directly to student scholarships. The impact is now being felt across Southeastern Arizona as past recipients contribute back to their communities as educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.

 

For more information about the scholarship program or to become a sponsor, visit www.usfaz.org or contact Jahdai Jones, Foundation Coordinator, at jahdaijones@usfaz.org. About University South Foundation The University South Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing higher education opportunities in Cochise County and Southeastern Arizona. Since 2011, the Foundation has provided scholarships, supported academic programs, and fostered partnerships that strengthen the region’s educational landscape.