STAND ARIZONA
RENAISSANCE SCHOLARS
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The mission of the Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) is to provide scholarships to high achieving, low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Program offers a renewable college scholarship of up to $5,000 per academic year (a maximum of $20,000 toward your bachelor’s degree).
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RSP has partnered with Stand for Children to provide scholarships to Arizona students who identify as Latino, Hispanic or Native American. You can learn more about Stand's education advocacy and mission on their website.
RSP works closely with a variety of partners to connect students with mentoring organizations on their college campuses. RSP provides additional growth opportunities and resources for scholars, including in-person and virtual events.
Requirements for Arizona Applicants
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Must be a high school senior in Arizona, or a recent graduate.
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U.S. citizenship is not a requirement (see FAQ section for more).
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Plan to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. 4-year college.
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Will be the very first person in your family to earn a bachelor's degree. Students who have a parent or sibling with a bachelor’s degree, or a sibling currently enrolled in a 4-year college are not eligible. (see FAQ section for more).
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Self-identify as Latino, Hispanic, AND/OR Native American.
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Have significant demonstrated financial need. Renaissance defines this as Pell eligibility or equivalent for those who do not file the FAFSA. If Renaissance scholarship winners go on to win a “full ride” scholarship through a college or organization, the Renaissance award will be rescinded (see FAQ section for more).
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Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and show academic achievement.
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In addition to meeting the requirements above, The Renaissance Foundation is looking for students who demonstrate: leadership potential, a concern for others, and a strong work ethic. These qualities can be demonstrated through participation in volunteering, membership in clubs/community organizations, paid/unpaid work, or family responsibilities. Successful candidates are able to clearly communicate their strengths and goals in their written application and essays.
February 1 Deadline
February 1 Application Due
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February Committee Review
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All applicants notified of decisions by April 1st.
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Application Checklist
Students must upload and submit all parts of the application by the submission deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Complete and proofread all required application boxes.
Submit Documents
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Most recent unofficial high school transcripts and college transcripts, if applicable.
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One of the following financial documents:
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A PDF/screenshot of your FAFSA 2025-2026 confirmation email. Be sure the student’s full name, Student Aid Index (SAI), and Pell eligibility statement are clearly visible*
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A PDF/screenshot of parent's most recent tax paperwork (Form 1040 or similar) only if FAFSA doesn't apply
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​​If your family did not file taxes, upload a Word document estimating your household income and explaining your financial circumstances
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*See example of acceptable FAFSA documents here.
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Letters of Recommendation
Note: We recommend sending your requests as soon as possible. It is polite to give recommenders at least two weeks to complete their letter. You can request recommendations before you are finished with your application.
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Letter of Recommendation #1- from an educational source (teacher, counselor, non-family member)
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Letter of Recommendation #2- from any source (teacher, counselor, coach, boss, mentor, non-family member)
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Personal Statement Essay
Essay Prompt (500 to 1,000 words)
- Please describe how you have used your leadership skills to address a challenge or problem in your community. We are especially impressed by students who have made an impact outside their school setting. Make sure to discuss how you identified the problem, the steps you took to solve it, and what you learned in the process. As you consider your future goals, how will you use what you've learned from this experience? How might your story serve as an example or inspiration for other students?
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Optional Items
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Activities summary or resume