First generation college students can apply for $20,000 scholarships
Arizona – Today, Stand for Children Arizona began accepting applications for its 2026 Stand for Children Arizona Renaissance Scholarship. This marks the third time Stand for Children Arizona has awarded scholarships to high school students.
The scholarship, in partnership with longtime Stand for Children supporter The Renaissance Foundation, is worth $20,000 over 4 years. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in the first generation of their family to attend college, have a track record of support for their community, and show financial need and community leadership. Last year, Stand for Children Arizona recognized five students who wanted to be nurses, engineers, and musicians.
“Being selected as a Stand for Children Arizona Renaissance Scholar was a huge honor,” said 2025 Stand for Children Arizona Renaissance Scholar Keisha Orozco Lopez. “Winning the scholarship took a big weight off the shoulders of my family and me as I began college this fall. I’m excited the class of 2026 will have the same opportunity to benefit as I did.”
“This scholarship helped me afford to attend college and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher,” said 2025 Stand for Children Arizona Renaissance Scholar Nerissa Felix. “I am so grateful for Stand for Children Arizona and The Renaissance Foundation for selecting me and helping open these doors.”
“We’re honored to continue supporting the education of Arizona’s future leaders as they begin a new chapter of their lives,” said Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau. “We are grateful for our partners at The Renaissance Foundation for allowing us to continue offering this life-changing $20,000 scholarship and cannot wait to meet our 2026 scholars.”
Applications are due February 1st, 2026 and can be found here.
Winners of the Stand for Children Arizona Renaissance Scholarship will be honored on May 7th at Gateway Community College. For information about sponsoring the luncheon, please email Christina Morales Wood at [email protected].
