Who is a Community Champion?

• enrolled in an educational program in public safety, healthcare, or teaching, or
• employed in one of those fields.

Enrollment can be at any accredited higher education institution, but the individual must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours in one of those fields of study.

Public safety includes law enforcement, fire fighters, EMT, or correctional/probation officers.

Healthcare includes any care provider.

Teaching includes teachers at any educational institution.

If I am a community champion, can I buy a home for a family member and still qualify for the grant program?

Yes, but the family member must:

• Be your spouse or dependent
• Live in the community during the time they are participating in the grant program
  
  

and you must:

• Use a qualified lender
• Qualify for the mortgage

If I am not a community champion, can I buy a home for a family member who is a community champion?

• Yes. The requirements are the same.

Must I use the education grant at Rio Salado College?

No, the education grant may be used at any Maricopa Community College. But, Rio Salado College will receive the grant funds and administer the payments. Any unused portion will revert to Rio Salado College.

Rio Salado College was chosen as the education partner because it is a recognized leader in public safety, healthcare, and teacher preparation instructional programs. The College also specializes in convenient, easily accessible, and affordable classes that can be taken online from your new Berkana home.