Arizona Promise Program receives College Promise’s National Impact Award

The Arizona Promise Program, a statewide financial aid initiative administered by the Arizona Board of Regents, received the prestigious National Impact Award at College Promise’s 10th Anniversary Symposium and Careers Institute convening. The national honor celebrates the program’s impact in making higher education more affordable and accessible for Arizona students.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award,” said ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear. “This recognition reflects the dedication of countless educators, policymakers and community partners who believe every Arizona student deserves a pathway to a college degree.”

The Arizona Promise Program is a guaranteed scholarship program for eligible Arizona residents that ensures all tuition and fees are covered at Arizona's public universities. Arizona's first statewide financial aid program, the Arizona Promise initiative is making higher education more accessible and affordable for Arizona students and families. The promise scholarship is applied after all other aid, scholarships and grants are used. 

Presented by the College Promise Network, the National Impact Award celebrates financial aid programs nationwide that have made enduring contributions to student success, college access and degree attainment. Arizona’s Promise Program stood out for its statewide reach and success in opening doors to higher education for thousands of Arizona students.

“Initiatives like the Arizona Promise Program demonstrate the transformative power of investing in students and communities,” said College Promise's Board Chair and CEO Emerita, Martha Kanter. “Creating pathways that ensure that every student has the opportunity to access, afford, and complete a college education leads to stronger economies and brighter futures for all.”  

The College Promise Network’s anniversary event brought together leaders and educators from across the nation to reflect on a decade of progress in expanding college access. Representing Arizona, Roxanne Murphy, ABOR’s director of college access initiatives, moderated a session featuring AlamoPROMISE and College Promise, highlighting local successes and strategies for scaling similar programs nationwide.

State support for the Arizona Promise Program continues to grow. In the most recent budget cycle, Governor Katie Hobbs allocated $54 million for the program, the largest investment to date. An additional $3 million was allocated to launch the Arizona Community College Promise Program. 

“The Arizona Promise Program embodies our state’s commitment to student opportunity,” said Murphy. “It’s inspiring to share Arizona’s story on a national stage and collaborate with peers who are equally passionate about helping students reach their goals.”

To learn more about the Arizona Promise Program, visit here. For more information on planning, affording and applying to one of Arizona’s public universities, visit Collegereadyaz.com.