Press Release

Arizona Higher Education Loan Authority Announces the 9/11 Memorial Scholarship for Arizona Students

Four $2,500 scholarships funded by the Arizona Higher Education Loan Authority (AHELA) to be awarded for fall 2007.

TEMPE, AZ, October 20th, 2006 – The Arizona Higher Education Loan Authority (AHELA) today announced the creation of a new scholarship program for Arizona students. The 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Program is to commemorate the tragedy that took place on 9/11. This scholarship is so future generations will not forget the tragic losses of life that occurred on 9/11 and the impact of that day on each of us, on America, and on the world.

"AHELA is dedicated to increasing access to higher education, providing the lowest cost funding possible and working with our schools and our state government to strengthen our educational system” said AHELA Executive Director Shelly Murphy.

The AHELA Scholarship programs are designed so that almost any Arizona student can qualify with just a 2.5 grade point average and a short 300 word essay. AHELA wants to help bridge the gap between financial aid and the cost of a college education. Students enrolled in either a university or community college with the intent to obtain a Bachelor’s degree within 5 years are eligible to apply for the scholarships. Four scholarships in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded in Fall 2007. Students will be expected to use this money to cover educational expenses.

Complete scholarship information, including award criteria and an application for Fall 2007 awards, are posted on the AHELA Web, www.ahela.org, with an application deadline of February 28, 2007. Winners will be chosen by a selection committee and notified by mid-April if their essay is selected.

For more details on the 9/11 Memorial Scholarship, see www.ahela.org/scholarships.