Scholarship Application Information
We’re here to support you during your scholarship application process.
How To Use This Page
To ensure the application process goes as smoothly as possible, please review this page for important resources, tips, and Frequently Asked Questions. Once you have reviewed everything below, you can get started on your application. The good news? You can use this one application to apply for hundreds of scholarships!
Want to see what scholarships are available? Visit our our scholarship search page.
Would you like to help get the word out about scholarships? Check out our toolkit that has everything you need!
If you still have questions, please email us at
[email protected].
Ready To Find Your Scholarship?
Let’s Start With The Basics
Whether you are completely new to scholarships or you need a little refresher, these videos are a great way to get started and learn the basics of the scholarship application process.
What Is A Scholarship?
Scholarship Manager
What Is a Scholarship?
Finding & Researching Scholarships
Tips For Writing A Great Scholarship Essay
Tips For Completing Scholarship Applications
Tips For Scholarship Letters Of Recommendation
Want to Talk to a Scholarship Coordinator?
You can sign up for a one-on-one session and our scholarship coordinator will walk you through the application process, share tips on how to write an essay and answer any other questions you may have.
Understanding FAFSA
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” and is often the most confusing, dreaded part of a student’s scholarship application process. That’s why we have FAFSA tutorials available.
Do I need to submit FAFSA for Foundation scholarships?
Tips For A Successful Application & Essay
Scholarship Selection Committees may have many essays to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention when they read your essay. Be personal, honest, and specific. Include details about yourself so the reader can get to know who you are and what you stand for.
- Monitor your student email account ([email protected]) regularly. Scholarship notifications are only sent to that email address.
- Proofread your application! Have multiple people read your essay not only for spelling and grammar errors but also to check that your content has logical consistency and answers the questions. Also, type your essay in Word or another word processing program, read a printed version, and only once you are happy with the final product, copy & paste it into the application.
- Complete your application and ask us if you have concerns, PRIOR TO DEADLINES.
- Be yourself. You don’t need to try to find the “right” answer. Be original.
- Show, don’t tell. Use examples to individualize your essay and demonstrate the point you want to make. You’ll avoid vagueness and make a stronger impression.
- Know your audience. Personal essays are not “one size fits all.” Write your essay that fits the requirements of that scholarship fund. We also welcome you to take advantage of your college writing center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I complete my General Application?
If I am awarded a scholarship, how much will I get?
The individual scholarship funds offer varying award amounts, depending on the size of the particular fund, the number of qualified applicants, and the directions given by the donors or fund advisors. The average scholarship amount at the Foundation is $709.00.
I am not a straight-A student or athlete? Am I still eligible?
Our scholarships are not solely based on academic merit, athletic ability, or leadership experience. Some are based on these criteria but most are geared to applicants with some financial need, participation in community service, extra-curricular activities and/or work experience, a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5, attendance at particular high schools or colleges or specific majors or career goals. Please review the criteria of each fund to see which awards you may be eligible for.
What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?
The possibility of you receiving a scholarship depends on several factors, including how many applicants are eligible for the scholarship, how many scholarships will be awarded, and how competitive the other applicants are. Because of this, we encourage you to apply to all scholarships for which you are eligible and to be thorough and thoughtful in completing your application.
If I change colleges in the Maricopa system, will my scholarship be transferred to my new college?
Some of our scholarships are limited to certain colleges in the MCCCD system. If you transfer to another college, please notify us immediately so we can determine whether you are still eligible for your scholarship. If you are eligible, we will transfer your award to your new college.
When will I get the money?
Award notifications will be sent out between July and August for Fall Scholarships. Spring scholarship award notifications will be sent out in November and December.
Can scholarships be used for things other than school tuition?
Yes, while many scholarships are for tuition, books and fees, we also have a number of funds that help students pay for rent, utility bills, transportation, food, and more.
I do not qualify for financial aid through my school. Am I still eligible?
Not all of our scholarships are based on financial need. MCCF scholarships include privately funded opportunities that are open to all MCCCD students and are not dependent on lawful presence and need.
How do I know if I have been selected to receive a scholarship?
An email to your maricopa.edu email address will alert you to any scholarship offers after decisions are made. You will be required to meet all criteria to receive the scholarship which may include credits hours and college registered. You will also have an opportunity to provide a thank you note/video for the scholarship donor. Log in to your scholarship portal regularly to check the status of all awards on your My Awards tab.
How much does it cost to apply for a scholarship?
It does not cost anything to apply for our scholarships, though we do estimate it may take up to 45 minutes to complete the application in full. Unfortunately, scholarship scams do exist. Beware of organizations and websites that charge a fee, guarantee that you will receive a scholarship, or are sent to you through direct mail or email spam.
How will my application be evaluated?
All scholarships have different criteria and different priorities. Our volunteer scholarship application reviewers score each scholarship application essay. Additional selection committees will consider all of the information that you provide in your application, such as your activities, your academics, your financial need and your essay.
Do I have to reapply each scholarship cycle?
Yes, a new online application must be submitted annually in March each year. This application will be used for Fall, Spring and Summer scholarships.
What if I need help?
Sign up for a one-on-one session with a scholarship coordinator or contact us at [email protected]