Apply for El Valle Puede Scholarship

The El Valle Puede Scholarship is a flagship initiative of the Helios Education Foundation, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns/Mercury Foundation. Designed to financially support high-potential Latino high school students experiencing financial hardship, this prestigious scholarship supports students pursuing full-time postsecondary education in Arizona.

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1. ???? Purpose & Partners

• Mission: To promote higher education access and success among Arizona’s Latino youth.
• Partners: A collaborative effort by the Helios Education Foundation and the Phoenix Suns/Mercury Foundation.

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2. ???? Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following Korean-shaped criteria:

• Be of Latino heritage.
• Graduate from an Arizona public high school.
• Be a full-time student at an accredited Arizona public university or community college.
• Show financial need, validated via FAFSA or the Federal Estimator (undocumented students are eligible).
• Be Pell Grant-eligible.
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA or higher.
• Demonstrate a well-rounded profile—leadership, volunteerism, athletics (bonus for basketball connection)

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3. ???? Award Types & Amounts

The scholarship offers two tiers depending on the student’s intended institution:

Institution Type	Award Amount	Duration
AZ public university	Up to $12,500/year (covers full tuition or cost of attendance)	Renewable up to 4 years, if maintaining GPA
AZ community college	Up to $2,500/year	Renewable for a second year

Funds may cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.

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4. ????️ Deadline & Timeline

• University-level scholarship: Applications due March 1, 2024
• Community college scholarship: Same March 1, 2024 deadline
  (Deadlines may shift yearly—check the current year’s deadline on the official program page.)

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5. ???? Application Process

1. Prepare documentation: Include official transcripts, FAFSA results or proof of Pell eligibility, and evidence of financial need.
2. Complete application: Access the form via the Suns/Mercury Foundation’s platform. achievepinal.org
3. Submit by the deadline: Aim for early submission to avoid technical issues.
4. Selection: Students evaluated on academic performance, financial need, and connection to community leadership or athletics.
5. Award notification: Recipients will receive renewal details and reporting expectations once selected.

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6. ???? Notable Recipients

• In 2024, Jonathan Guevara of Scottsdale High School was selected as one of only five recipients of the $50,000 El Valle Puede Scholarship, an impressive achievement reflecting both success and impact.

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7. ✅ Tips for Strong Applicants

• Academic readiness: Maintain a 3.0+ GPA—2.5 is minimum, but competitive applicants typically surpass this.
• Leadership & Service: Highlight volunteer hours, school leadership roles, or athletic achievements—especially in basketball.
• Financial documentation: Ensure FAFSA or Federal Estimator documents are accurate and up-to-date.
• Compelling narrative: Your personal statement should connect your background, goals, and Latino heritage in a meaningful way.
• Program fit: Tailor your application to reflect the scholarship’s mission—to uplift Latinos in Arizona through leadership and service.

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8. ???? Beyond the Scholarship

• Renewal requirements: Meet GPA standards and show continued financial need and full-time enrollment.
• Networking & support: Many scholarship recipients gain access to mentorship, gatherings, and professional opportunities via Helios and Suns/Mercury networks.

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9. ???? Final Thoughts

The El Valle Puede Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance: it’s a true model of empowerment for Arizona’s Latino youth. With robust funding, a focus on community leadership, and long-term support, it represents a premier scholarship opportunity.

El Valle Puede Scholarship Essay – Sample Draft

Title: “The Power of Perseverance and Purpose”

As the child of Mexican immigrants growing up in a working-class neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, I learned to understand the importance of perseverance, education, and commitment to my community. My parents crossed the border with nothing but hope and determination, and they raised me to believe that education is the key to a better future, not only for myself, but for everyone I can help along the way. The El Valle Puede Scholarship means more to me than just financial support. It symbolizes opportunity, pride in my heritage, and the ability to lead by example.

Throughout high school, I worked hard to balance school, work, and family responsibilities. I currently maintain a 3.6 GPA while taking advanced science and math courses. I also work part-time at a local grocery store to help my parents pay their bills and groceries. These experiences taught me how to manage my time and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

I have also remained active in my school and community. I am the vice president of our school’s Latino student association and volunteer every weekend at a local community center, helping elementary school students with reading and math. I know firsthand the meaning of language barriers and limited resources, so I want to ensure others don’t face these challenges alone. Through mentoring and tutoring, I have found a sense of purpose in service, and I hope to continue this in college.

Being Latino is more than an identity; it’s a responsibility. My culture teaches me the value of hard work, family, and faith. It inspires me to overcome obstacles while remaining grounded in humility and gratitude. I want to be the first in my family to graduate from college, not only for myself, but also for the generations before me who weren’t so fortunate.

Thanks to the El Valle Puede Scholarship, I plan to attend Arizona State University and major in education. My goal is to return to my community as a high school teacher and guidance counselor. I want to help students like me—first-generation, underprivileged, and Latino—believe that they too can achieve great things.

In Spanish, we often say “sí, se puede”—yes, we can. El Valle Puede reminds me that our valley can rise when students like me are given the support they need to lead the way. I’m ready to take the next step, bring my community with me, and become a changemaker who proves our heritage is our strength, not a hindrance.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

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