ABOR celebrates winners of the 2024-2025 AZ FAFSA Challenge

Nearly 90 high school seniors and administrators from across Arizona gathered at Cox Communications’ Deer Valley Campus to celebrate the completion of the 2024-2025 AZ FAFSA Challenge. A collaboration of the Arizona Board of Regents, Cox Communications and the AZ FAFSA Coalition, the luncheon celebrated the exceptional efforts of Arizona high schools to improve completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a critical financial aid tool supporting postsecondary education. 

Thanks to a generous donation from Cox, 63 students from the winning schools were awarded iPads to aid them on their postsecondary education journeys. Winning schools also received a signed certificate from Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Board of Regents Chair Cecilia Mata, and a trophy recognizing their first, second or third place finish in the categories of Highest FAFSA Completion Rate or Most Improved FAFSA Completion Rate. 

The event was hosted by 12 News personality Troy Lynch and featured remarks from Chair Mata, Cox Communications Phoenix Market Vice President Susan Anable and Governor Katie Hobbs’ Education Policy Advisor Erin Hart. Students were also treated to an opportunity to meet and take photos with the iconic Arizona Cardinals mascot, Big Red. 

“Completing the FAFSA is more than just paperwork; it’s a gateway to opportunity,” said Chair Mata. “The FAFSA provides essential financial support and access to scholarships, federal Pell Grants, work-study opportunities and the Arizona Promise Program, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying students. Today is a celebration of these students and an investment in their futures as well as the unwavering dedication of their schools’ administrators and counselors. By taking this important step to secure financial aid, these students are paving the way for educational and career success, and we look forward to watching them thrive.”

FAFSA completion directly impacts a student’s access to higher education opportunities. Students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in college, persist in their coursework and successfully obtain a degree. As of May 7, Arizona’s FAFSA completion rate is 34.4% for the Class of 2025, just over 5% away from the statewide goal of 40%. Arizona is currently ranked third in the nation in year-over-year growth for FAFSA completion, an exceptional reversal from where the state was one year ago when the completion rate hovered at 18% at the end of April 2024. 

ABOR first partnered with Cox Communications last November to give away iPads to select students as part of an incentive program to encourage students to participate in the national beta test of the new FAFSA application. The organization has been an instrumental partner in promoting postsecondary education, offering financial assistance to eligible students and awarding over $140,000 in scholarships to students in Arizona. Nationwide, Cox Communications connected nearly 5 million people to the internet through its digital equity programs and  committed hundreds of millions of dollars to extend its reach to underserved and rural communities. 

“We are honored to partner with ABOR in empowering Arizona students with the financial resources and technological tools they need to succeed,” said Anable. “Through initiatives like our affordability programs, which provide low-cost internet services for eligible students and their families, Cox is committed to ensuring that every student has the means to achieve their dreams. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding schools and students for their hard work and dedication throughout this FAFSA cycle.” 

The 2024-2025 AZ FAFSA Challenge winners are: 

Highest FAFSA Completion Rate:

Large: 

• First place – San Luis High School (San Luis, AZ)
• Second place – Campo Verde High School (Gilbert, AZ)
• Third place – Desert Vista High School (Phoenix, AZ) 

Medium 

• First place – Glenview College Preparatory High School (Glendale, AZ)
• Second place – University High School – Tucson (Tucson, AZ)
• Third place – Madison Highland Prep (Phoenix, AZ) 

 Small 

• First place – San Simon High School (San Simon, AZ)
• Second place – University High School – Tolleson (Tolleson, AZ)
• Third place – Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (Phoenix, AZ)

Most improved FAFSA Completion Rate: 

Large 

• First place – Campo Verde High Schol (Gilbert, AZ)
• Second place – Metro Tech High School (Phoenix, AZ)
• Third place – Arizona College Prep High School (Chandler, AZ) 

 Medium  

• First place – Central High School (Phoenix, AZ)
• Second place – Yuma High School (Yuma, AZ)
• Third place – Tanque Verde High School (Tucson, AZ) 

Small 

• First place – Phoenix Union Wilson College Prep (Phoenix, AZ)
• Second place – Antelope High School (Wellton, AZ)
• Third place – Ajo High School (Ajo, AZ) 

Honorable Mention

• Nogales High School – (Nogales, AZ)
• Andrada Polytechnic High School – (Tucson, AZ)
• ASU Prep Digital Academy – (Online)

To view and download photos from the event, click here.