Rio Salado Specific Scholarships
“Receiving this award was a lifesaver. It helped me in so many ways - with rent, utilities, food, and most importantly, education, so I can pursue a better career for my children and I.” - Blair Bernal, Thor Family Endowed Scholarship recipient
Apply for Student Scholarships
The list of scholarships below are active Rio Salado College scholarships at the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation available to support student success.
They're Gift Aid that Doesn't Require Repayment.
All students can apply, regardless of immigration status.
The generosity of alumni, individuals, corporations, and community organizations provides many scholarship opportunities to Rio Salado College Students College students.
Dr. Harry E. Whyte Memorial Scholarship (5265): This scholarship is for a single female parent that has been formally admitted to the dental hygiene program and is attending Rio Salado College. Recipients must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA.
Dr. Jo Jorgenson Community Development Fund (4311-1): This scholarship is for students who were formerly incarcerated or who are participating in (or have completed) the Rio Salado College - College Bridge Pathways program. Recipients must have a program of study, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA or be a new student.
Dr. Larry Celaya Memorial Scholarship (5466): This scholarship is for a Rio Salado College student majoring in Public Safety Technology and is in financial need. Recipients must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
Hazel Davis Literacy Legacy Scholarship Fund (4404-1): The purpose of this fund is to support programs, scholarships, and/or resources (e.g., tuition, books, testing fees, etc.) needed for student success. The award is equivalent to the cost of six (6) credit hours at the official Maricopa Community Colleges tuition rate for in-state students. Students can be awarded the scholarship two times at maximum. The criteria includes: student enrolled at Rio Salado College, a grade point average of 3.25 or greater, demonstrated financial need, and a response to one unique question as part of the scholarship application: "If money was not a barrier to your education, what could you achieve as part of your life goals?"
James P. Hornburg Memorial Scholarship (5429): This scholarship is for a Rio Salado College student formally admitted to the law enforcement technology, corrections, detention services, or firefighter operations programs. Recipients must have already completed a minimum of 6 credit hours and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Jo C. Bennett Student Assistance Fund (4943): This student assistance fund is for a Rio Salado College student needing immediate financial support to prevent situations that may cause the student to drop out of college. Students must complete an application with the RSC Counseling Department, be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours, or be taking ASE, ABE, and ELAA classes.
Melody Layne Miller Memorial Scholarship (4388-1): The scholarship was established for the student groups who would align to a scholarship need, and support two interests that Melody felt passionate about, High School students and future Educators. A scholarship fund to support high school students in need of financial aid for dual enrollment at Rio Salado College. In addition, this scholarship will fund Rio Salado College Education Students with a financial need, a minimum of 2.0 GPA, and seeking a degree or certificate in Education.
Rio Salado College Student Life Fund (4237): The purpose of this fund is to support student programs to include projects, activities, marketing, stipends, fees, supplies, books, or initiatives that impact the college and/or its students. A Student Life Faculty Advisor or staff member and a Vice President must jointly approve all expenditures.
RSC Adult ACE Scholarship (4827): Rio Salado offers students who are enrolled in the College Bridge Pathways Adult Basic Education Program the opportunity to complete their HSE and make a smooth transition to higher education through the Adult ACE (Adults Achieving a College Education) program. This scholarship-based college and career preparation program is for adults, 16 years or older, who are ready to commit to completing a degree, certificate, or workforce training program.
RSC General Student Scholarship (4083): This scholarship is for a Rio Salado College student enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. Recipients must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
Spot 127 Carstens Family Funds Scholarship (4218-1): This scholarship is for students who have completed the SPOT127 Program, who are attending a Maricopa Community College, and agree to stay involved with SPOT127.
The Rio Salado College Insurance Programs (4397-1): This program fund was established to support the creation and expansion of Insurance Programs at Rio Salado College.
The Thor Family Endowed Scholarship (5062): Provides scholarships for re-entry students enrolled at Rio Salado College.
- Preference given to a single parent
- Minimum GPA 2.5
- $500 annual award ($250 per semester)
We Are Rio: RSC Employee Scholarship (5617): This scholarship is for current Rio Salado College employees who are not eligible for tuition waiver or professional growth funds for university tuition. Recipients must be enrolled (or plan to enroll) in a minimum of 6 credit hours at one of the Maricopa Community Colleges or a state university and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA or be a new student with no GPA. * This scholarship is specific to Rio Salado College employees.
Winston and Dr. Jean Tease Social Justice Scholarship (5701): The scholarship was established to serve students at Rio Salado College and Phoenix College. Successful candidates will demonstrate an interest in social justice. Funds may be used to cover student activities and conference registration, books, supplies, and student emergency assistance.
Apply for Student Scholarships
Students can apply for scholarships at the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation website
Need Assistance?
To Make an Online Donation to a Scholarship, Follow the Steps Below:
- Select a gift amount. (The “other” gift amount button all you to write in a specific gift amount.)
- Under Designation: select Other
- Another box will open. In this box, enter the fund name and fund number
- You will have the option to make this a recurring gift.
- Complete the comment section (optional)
- Enter your affiliation
- Finally, complete the billing information.
For assistance regarding donations to any Rio Salado College scholarships or college initiatives please email todd.aakhus@riosalado.edu and put Donation Assistance in the subject line.