Press Release

AHELA Creates New Scholarship for Future Arizona Community Leaders

TEMPE, AZ, October 24th, 2007 – The Arizona Higher Education Loan Authority (AHELA) announces the AHELA Community Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship will award $1000.00 to 4 Arizona students based on community activities and involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. AHELA wants to encourage students to be involved and active in their community, as well as support students as they pursue the education and skills necessary to be successful leaders.

“AHELA is dedicated to increasing access to higher education through it’s scholarship & outreach programs, as well as, working with our schools and our state government to strengthen our educational system”, said AHELA Executive Director Shelly Murphy. "AHELA recognizes that students who exemplify leadership traits, abilities, and potential will be required to maintain Arizona’s competitive business advantage in the future.”

AHELA wants to help bridge the gap between financial aid and the cost of a college education, as well as help the state of Arizona invest in future community leaders. AHELA also offers an additional $20,000 in scholarships for Arizona Nurses, Teachers, and low-income students. The AHELA Scholarship programs are designed so that they are easier to qualify for and easy to apply. Students must have at least a 2.5 grade point average and enrolled full-time in an Arizona institution of higher education. Students are required to use this money to cover educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

For more details on AHELA Scholarship programs visit their website at www.ahela.org/scholarships.