SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (February 23, 2026) – To help fund the educational goals for Arizonans across the state, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) returns for its seventh consecutive year. Applications for this year's Empowering Diversity Scholarship are now open through Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. MST.

The Empowering Diversity Scholarship has supported the educational aspirations of 144 Arizona residents in its first six years. Last year's total giving of $92,500 in financial awards and wraparound support to 25 individuals lifted the program's cumulative funding to $539,500.

To apply for the 2026-27 cycle, which will again provide $92,500 in total giving for 25 students, please visit FiestaSportsFoundation.org/DiversityScholarship. Following an evaluation of applications, this year's recipients will be notified on Wednesday, May 20.

"Education is the foundation for opportunity and everyone should have an open field to pursue their goals," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Chief Impact Officer and Chief of Staff Kristina Chumpol. "The Empowering Diversity Scholarship removes financial barriers so that all Arizonans have equal access to education, whether that's earning a GED or completing post-secondary studies. By investing in our state's residents today, we're building a stronger, more equitable Arizona for tomorrow. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has been an amazing partner to make this possible."

Both Fiesta Sports Foundation and AZ Blue are committed to diversity, equity & inclusion. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship, available through separate tracks for GEDs (General Educational Development) and post-secondary education, aids Arizona students in their educational pursuits.

Last year, 25 Arizonans were recipients of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship with 15 in the post-secondary track and 10 in the GED track. Recipients represented all areas across the state, including Maricopa, Yavapai, Mohave, Pinal and Yuma counties.

Arizona students from underrepresented communities, in their senior year of high school or currently attending an Arizona post-secondary institution, are eligible to apply for the post-secondary track. Recipients are awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship with an additional $500 of wraparound support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or Education Forward Arizona. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

The GED track is open to Arizona residents from underrepresented communities who are at least 16 years of age who have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma. All recipients will receive $500 to cover fees associated with their GED assessment, including program support services provided by College Depot. In addition, recipients on this track will receive $500 in wraparound support services.

"Over the past six years, we've seen this scholarship help open doors for students across Arizona," said Paul Penzone, VP, Chief Community Relations Officer at AZ Blue. "Through our partnership with Fiesta Sports Foundation, we're proud to continue that progress and help more students reach their educational goals."

According to an Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) report in 2023, Arizona's year-over-year data looking at the state's public high school graduates from 2013-22 showed a decline in college enrollment rates for Black, Hispanic and Native American students.

As Arizona high school graduates from historically underrepresented populations enroll in higher education at lower rates than their peers, a gap in completion of a bachelor's degree still persists among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

There lies the importance of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship. By ensuring that Arizona's underrepresented residents, who make up the 10th most diverse state in the U.S., have access to post-secondary education – or a GED – these individuals will be better positioned to achieve a higher quality of life.

To view last year's recipients of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Fiesta Sports Foundation and AZ Blue, click here.

ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable resources to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on X/Instagram.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA
Blue Cross ® Blue Shield ® of Arizona (AZ Blue) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a mission to inspire health and make it easy, AZ Blue offers health insurance and related services to more than 2 million customers. AZ Blue, a non-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,200 people in its Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.