Apply for a Scholarship
Investing in the Future of Our Faith
The first scholarship program, established in 1998 through a perpetual Memorial Fund by Reverend Philip J. Poirier with the Catholic Community Foundation, is called the Christian Service Award Program. This program aims to recognize Catholic 8th-grade students for their Christ-centered behavior as evidenced through their volunteer service to the parish, school, and community.
Our newest scholarship program, the Catholic Community Foundation Scholarship, awards $17,000 to 7th-grade students who plan to attend Catholic high school and require financial assistance to make their dream a reality. This award, along with other post-secondary scholarships for chemistry, engineering, and social work, were created by loving donors who value education and want to make it accessible to all.
scholarship programs
Catholic Community Foundation Scholarship
Overview:
The Catholic Community Foundation Scholarship Program's mission is to help students and their families make Catholic education more accessible by granting annual tuition assistance throughout their 8th-12th grade school years.
Eligibility:
The Catholic Community Foundation Scholarship applicant must be in 7th grade and plan to attend a Catholic school within the Diocese of Phoenix the following school year.
Funding:
- Students awarded the scholarship will receive one $1,000 payment for their 8th grade year, and then an annual $4,000 payment during each of the 9th-12th grade years in high school for a total of $17,000.
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the selected Catholic school within the Diocese of Phoenix for as long as the student remains enrolled in that school.
- Scholarship funds are to be applied to tuition only and can be used in conjunction with ESA or STO funds.
Evaluation:
Financial need - established by household and annual income listed on the Institute for Better Education website (scroll down to grid).
Two essays - one from the parent and one from the student.
Two recommendations - one from the student's principal or teacher and one from the student's pastor or parish leader.
Important dates:
Toolkit available July 1
Application opens December 1
Application deadline January 31
The number of scholarships available annually varies.
Christian Service Award Scholarship
Overview:
Since 1998, the mission of the Christian Service Award (CSA) Scholarship is to acknowledge students who demonstrate exemplary Christ-centered behavior through volunteer service to their parish, school, and community. Recipients demonstrate a deep love and understanding of their Catholic faith and articulate a commitment, not only to perform acts of service, but also to live a life focused on service. They recognize their God-given gifts and provide persuasive evidence of their maturity, humility, and leadership.
Eligibility:
The applicant must be a student who has demonstrated a minimum of 100 hours of community service, must be in 8th grade, and plan to attend four years of Catholic school within the Diocese of Phoenix.
Funding:
- Students awarded the scholarship will receive an annual $2,000 payment during the 9th-12th grade years for a total of $8,000.
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the selected Catholic high school within the Diocese of Phoenix for as long as the student remains enrolled.
- Scholarship funds are to be applied to tuition only and can be used in conjunction with ESA or STO funds.
Evaluation:
- One recommendation from a pastor, parish leader, or religion teacher
- One recommendation from a leader of the organization where the student served.
- Student essay
- Service hours*
- Service hour documentation**
*A minimum of 100 qualifying service hours must be completed between June 1, before the start of the student’s 7th-grade year, and January 1 during the student’s 8th-grade year. The more variety of services a student has done, the stronger the application will be.
**All service hours MUST be recorded on the official CSA Service Hours Tracking form only. Form is available here. Download one copy onto your own computer.
Important Dates
Toolkit available July 1
Application opens December 1
Application deadline January 31
The number of scholarships available annually varies.
Angel Scholarship for Social Work, Peace, & Justice Studies
Overview:
The Angel Scholarship for Social Work, Peace, and Justice Studies was created in 2012 by a generous anonymous donor from the Catholic Community Foundation. With a strong commitment to assisting the underserved and disadvantaged, the benefactor hopes this scholarship will inspire young men and women to pursue a life dedicated to serving others through social work.
Eligibility:
The Angel Scholarship for Social Work, Peace, and Justice Studies applicant must be a full-time senior attending a Catholic high school within the Diocese of Phoenix, must be a registered practicing Catholic, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The scholarship award is not based on financial need or high school grade point average (GPA).Please note that it does not fund degrees in criminal justice, philosophy, psychology, nursing, or education/teaching.
Funding:
- The student awarded the scholarship will receive a one-time $5,000 award toward freshman-year tuition at a four-year college or university in Arizona.
- The scholarship will be paid directly to the college/university.
- The scholarship does not fund degrees in criminal justice, philosophy, psychology, nursing, or teaching/education.
Evaluation:
- Two online recommendations
- One student essay - The topic is specified in the application.
Important Dates
Toolkit available July 1
Application opens December 1
Application deadline January 31
Number of scholarships available annually: 1
Ralph M. Knight Chemistry & Engineering Scholarship
The Ralph M. Knight Chemistry and Engineering Scholarship was established in 2010 by Mrs. Nancy Knight in memory of her husband, Ralph, who was a chemical engineer. The Knight family wishes to honor his legacy and help others contribute to society as he did. Use QR code to read Ralph’s story. Read Ralph's story.
Eligibility:
The Ralph M. Knight Chemistry and Engineering Scholarship applicant must be a full-time senior attending a Catholic high school within the Diocese of Phoenix, must be a registered practicing Catholic, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The scholarship award is not based on financial need or high school grade point average (GPA).
Funding:
- The student awarded the scholarship will receive a one-time $5,000 award toward freshman-year tuition at a four-year college or university in the United States.
- The student must declare chemistry or engineering as a major.
- The scholarship will be paid directly to the college/university.
Evaluation:
- Two online recommendations
- One student essay - The topic is specified in the application.
Important Dates
Toolkit Available July 1
Application opens December 1
Application deadline January 31
Number of scholarships available annually: 1
Congratulations, to last year's scholarship winners
