More Than 500 Arizona Students to Receive Education Forward Arizona Scholarships and Support
Organization will invest $3.5 million in scholarships, mentoring and wraparound services during the coming academic year.
More than 500 Arizona students will receive scholarships, mentoring and student success services from Education Forward Arizona during the 2026–27 academic year through a $3.5 million investment designed to help more students complete postsecondary education and prepare for high-demand careers across the state.
This year’s investment represents the largest annual scholarship commitment in the organization’s history.
The investment builds on another successful year for the organization’s scholarship and student success programs, made possible through the generous support of funders and partners, including Helios Education Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan and APS. During the 2025–26 academic year, more than 120 students earned college degrees with support from Education Forward Arizona.
For Michelle Cannon, whose family is from Ganado and the Navajo Nation, support from Education Forward Arizona helped ease financial pressures while she balanced coursework, caregiving responsibilities and managing bipolar disorder, chronic migraines and fibromyalgia. Cannon graduated magna cum laude this spring from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development and will begin pursuing a Master of Social Work this fall, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker serving Native communities across Arizona. While earning her degree, Cannon dedicated herself to serving others. She volunteered as a Level 6 Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, where she has supported more than 500 people experiencing acute emotional distress. She also served as Lead Helping Hands Intern at Native Health, gaining hands-on experience supporting Native communities.
“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to focus my time and energy on my coursework and service commitments rather than financial strain,” Cannon said.
This fall, Education Forward Arizona will award $1,827,489 in scholarships, with a similar level of funding anticipated for Spring 2027. Together, these investments will support 542 students receiving scholarships and mentoring services, as well as 64 students receiving wraparound student success services.
As Education Forward Arizona celebrates its fifth anniversary, the organization has invested more than $32.3 million to support nearly 4,000 students in earning college degrees, workforce credentials and preparing for meaningful careers.
“Every scholarship represents an investment in Arizona students and our state’s future prosperity, ” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “When we help students overcome financial barriers and provide the mentoring and support they need to succeed, we’re not only changing individual lives—we’re strengthening our communities and building the talent Arizona needs for years to come.”
This year’s scholarship recipients represent all 15 Arizona counties and include students with high financial need; rural Arizonans; Pell Grant-eligible and first-generation college students; students from Tribal communities across the state; and students pursuing degrees and credentials in high-demand fields such as health care, education, engineering, business and technology.
Education Forward Arizona’s scholarship programs are designed to increase postsecondary attainment while helping Arizona meet the growing demand for an educated and skilled workforce. Through financial support, personalized mentoring and career guidance, the organization helps students complete degrees and credentials that prepare them for meaningful careers in Arizona.
“The success of our students demonstrates what’s possible when Arizona invests in talent,” Nickel said. “These graduates are becoming teachers, healthcare professionals, engineers, business leaders and innovators who will help drive Arizona’s future.”
About Education Forward Arizona
Education Forward Arizona is a statewide advocacy organization advancing education and training as pathways to economic opportunity, a highly-skilled workforce, and a stronger Arizona. Working directly and in partnership with education, business and civic leaders, Education Forward Arizona helps drive progress toward the Achieve60AZ attainment goal. This includes advocating for policies, funding, and cross-sector strategies that strengthen Arizona’s economy and support progress for communities statewide. Its work spans the education continuum—from early learning through postsecondary education and workforce training—and includes scholarships and mentoring that help Arizonans gain the skills and credentials needed to thrive. Education and training can be transformative for individuals and for Arizona’s future. By increasing access to certificates and degrees, Arizona can expand economic mobility, meet workforce demand, and build long-term prosperity. Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org.
Media Contacts
Isabel Esquivel, iesquivel@educationforwardarizona.org, 714.612.2804
Shannon Sowby, shannonsowbypr@gmail.com, 602.615.6235