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2024 PROGRAM

Eligibility Requirements

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

If you call Cochise County home, you're already halfway there!

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

    • Except as specified with Education Unidos/IME-Becas scholarships

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  • Actively resides in Cochise County OR resides in Sonora, Mexico, but is actively working in Cochise County and only applying for Education Unidos or IME-Becas

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  • Meets one of the following enrollment criteria at an accredited institution by July 12, 2024:

    • Enrolled in six or more units of upper-division (Junior/Senior) undergraduate coursework

    • Enrolled in five or more units of graduate/doctoral coursework

    • Enrolled in a certificate program 

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  • Undergraduate or certificate-seeking student with a minimum 2.75 GPA or graduate/doctoral student with a minimum 3.0 GPA

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  • Not eligible for Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR) benefits

    • Neither applicant, spouse, nor a parent/guardian is employed by a Public University in Arizona

Scholarship Program Criteria

Every applicant can submit a single application and be evaluated for numerous scholarships. Choose all the scholarships you qualify for, and ensure you complete all relevant questions related to the selected scholarships. You will only be evaluated for the selected scholarships.

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Merit-based Scholarship

Merit-based scholarships are financial awards granted to students based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, or other noteworthy accomplishments.

  • Undergraduates or certificate-seeking students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA and graduate students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA

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Need-based Scholarship

Need-based scholarships are financial awards provided to students based on their demonstrated financial need. These awards take into account the financial circumstances of the applicant and their family who may not have the financial means to afford higher education expenses.

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Military Scholarship​

​Active duty, veteran, and military spouse scholarships are financial awards that recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families. These awards are specifically designed to provide support to members of the military community in their pursuit of higher education.

  • Have served or is serving in the US Military (supply DD214 or current military orders for verification only), or the spouse of a Veteran or active-duty personnel

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University of Arizona College of Applied Science & Technology Scholarship

Cyber and applied computing scholarships are financial awards tailored to support students pursuing studies in fields such as cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, and applied computing. These scholarships aim to cultivate a skilled workforce in areas crucial to modern technology and security.

  • Must be enrolled in Applied Computing, Cyber Operations and Intelligence, or Information Operations

 

Education Unidos Scholarship

​The Education Unidos Scholarship Fund supports educational success and completion for students living in the Cochise County border region. 

  • Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA

  • Completed 100 hours of community service

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing or working in the Douglas/Bisbee/Agua Prieta/Naco area. If not actively residing in Cochise County, must provide proof of working in Cochise County (pay stub or employer letter/contract)

  • Once awarded a scholarship, awardees are expected to complete 25 hours of community service that academic year

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Education Unidos/IME Becas

A strong collaboration between the University South Foundation, Inc. and the Consulate of Mexico in Douglas exists to increase the educational level of Mexican Citizens or individuals of Mexican origin living in the United States through the program IME-Becas.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing or working in the Douglas/Bisbee/Agua Prieta/Naco area. If not actively residing in Cochise County, must provide proof of working in Cochise County (pay stub or employer letter/contract)

  • Must demonstrate Mexican origin either through birth or with a Mexican-born parent by providing documentation (Mexican birth certificate, Mexican consular ID, Mexican passport, or Mexican IFE)

 

Judy A. Gignac Memorial Scholarship | $1,000

This scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, is dedicated to the memory of Judy A. Gignac. Dr. Judy A. Gignac-Leininger was an exceptional individual, business woman, and community leader. She was the first female elected to the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and was a founding member of community organizations such as the Legacy Foundation of Southeastern Arizona and Fort Huachuca 50. She received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Arizona, served as an Arizona Board of Regent, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University of Arizona South in Sierra Vista. In honor of her legacy, this scholarship is awarded to a recipient pursuing a degree in business, economics, or related field who believes in making a large impact on the fabric of their communities. 

  • Must be majoring in business, economics, political science, or related field

 

Rich Besselman Memorial Scholarship | $1,000

This is a privately funded scholarship in the amount of $1,000 in the memory of Richard Besselman. Richard Besselman was a long-time Sierra Vista resident who dedicated much of his life to public and community service. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a master's degree from Western International University, and ran countless marathons around the United States. His positivity and belief in always making an impact left an indelible mark on the Sierra Vista community. The recipient of the Besselman Memorial Scholarship will display a sincere commitment to community involvement while maintaining educational and professional goals. 

  • Must reside in the greater Sierra Vista area

  • Must be an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking student enrolled in at least 6 units and have a minimum 3․0 GPA

  • Major Requirements: Preference will be given to English, Creative Writing or Creative Writing Minor with a complementary major (e․g․, English, Theater, etc․); additional consideration may be given to Government & Public Service, Cyber Operations, Organizational Leadership, or Human Services

  • Demonstrate a history of community involvement, leadership, and commitment to the Sierra Vista area

 

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative Scholarship

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative is a non profit, member-owned distributive cooperative founded in 1938 and has grown from serving 266 members to being the largest electric cooperative in Arizona. SSVEC is dedicated to community growth, quality of life, and a positive vision for the future. SSVEC scholarships are awarded to recipients who are members or related to members of the Cooperative and have a desire to make a positive impact on their community. 

  • Must provide membership ID number or applicant’s relation to SSVEC member

 

Certificate Seeking Student Scholarship

  • Non-degree seeking student

Important Information

HOW AWARDS ARE APPLIED

  1. The Foundation will only pay scholarship grants directly to the educational institution and only for qualified educational expenses on behalf of the scholarship recipient.

  2. The award will be disbursed to a student's bursar account approximately ten days before classes begin once the student's lawful presence has been verified, and the student is enrolled in six or more units per term.

  3. The total award amount is for the academic year and divided equally between the fall and spring semesters for students requesting an award for both semesters.

  4. The award must be used beginning with the fall semester or may be delayed until the spring semester if requested on the application.

  5. Students who complete their undergraduate degree in less than two consecutive semesters may use the remaining semester(s) toward graduate tuition. Students who meet the criteria may notify the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the University South Foundation office once admitted to a graduate degree-seeking program and enrolled as a full-time graduate student.

  6. The University will apply the grant funds for the second semester only for enrolled students in good standing.

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

If a student withdraws and is eligible for a tuition refund, the student forfeits that semester of scholarship eligibility and must repay the scholarship amount. The scholarship may be reviewed for reinstatement in the following semester. Students must submit a request to the University South Foundation Scholarship Committee explaining their situation and request the use of funds for the next semester within thirty days of withdrawal.

 

POTENTIAL AWARD TAX LIABILITY

1.    The IRS has encouraged scholarship providers to voluntarily alert recipients that at least some portion of an award may be taxable. The following statement will be included in award letters to assist students in understanding their federal tax liabilities.

"Scholarship support payments may be taxable to the recipient in full or part. The recipient is responsible for determining the value of tuition, registration, other university fees, books, supplies, and equipment. Specific questions regarding the tax treatment of this award should be directed to a tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service.”

2.    Qualified Expenses – Certain expenses incurred in attending an educational institution. They are: (This information is in IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.)

a.    Tuition and fees for enrollment and attendance.

b.    Course-related expenses – fees, books, supplies, and equipment required of all students for courses of instruction.

c.     Room and board, travel, research, clerical assistance. Payments for expenses in this group are not exempt from income tax.

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