CFSA Announces 2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients

The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is proud to announce 51 scholarships, totaling $396,752.80, were awarded to 92 recipients in their 2021-2022 Scholarship Round to help Southern Arizona students pursue their educational dreams. 

This year, CFSA also expanded the scholarship program with three new scholarships: the African American Educational Equity Scholarship; the Marge Christensen Gould Scholarship; and the Sandra Weber Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarships and awards at CFSA are as unique and diverse as the donors who establish them. These programs are made possible by the generosity of donors who want to support students in need of financial assistance to achieve their dreams.

Recipient Highlights:

Amber Heldreth-Miller, CFSA General Scholarship recipient, shared, “I will be a senior at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles this upcoming year. This scholarship has allowed me to pursue an education at such a prestigious institution where I have gained valuable connections and taken classes that will enable me to succeed in the future.”

Ashlee Diggles, African American Educational Equity Scholarship recipient, shared, “Whether it is furthering my current pursuits as a student advocate, or continuing the ambition through my desires to pursue medical school, I want to continue spreading awareness about implicit bias while experiencing valuable learning opportunities, and the African American Educational Equity Scholarship gives me the wings to do so.” 

Jernei Johnson, African American Educational Equity Scholarship recipient, said, “My personal experiences revealed a deep passion for mental health, wellness and empathy for everyone’s personal journey. My academic goal is to a Pre-Medical student with an emphasis in psychology to become a psychiatrist.”

Hannah Young, Santa Cruz Community Foundation Scholarship recipient, said, “My educational dreams include becoming a flight nurse. I have seen firsthand how important it is to have lifeline services available in rural areas like the small town I am from.”

Jaqueline Ruiz, Santa Cruz Community Foundation Scholarship recipient, shared, “My dream goal is to become a Registered Nurse and a Traveling Nurse. I want to help those who are in need by letting them know they aren’t alone.”

John Sheehan, CFSA General Scholarship Recipient, shared, “I plan on taking full advantage of this scholarship to absorb all of the knowledge and life lessons college has to offer, so I can make and be the change I wish to see in the world by creating machines and/or programs to make life better for others and be someone who strives to better the day of everyone I come into contact with using the values I learn throughout life.”

Brooke Robbins, CFSA General Scholarship Recipient, “My educational plan is to attend Arizona State University, majoring in Business Supply Chain Management with a minor in Sustainability. I want to concentrate my efforts and education on protecting a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants, and leaving the world a better place.”


Learn more about CFSA’s scholarships at cfsaz.org/what/scholarships