Twenty Arizona high-school seniors have been awarded the 2023 Flinn Scholarship, a merit-based award that provides a full ride to one of Arizona’s public universities.

The scholarship package includes the cost of tuition, fees, housing, meals and at least two study-abroad experiences. The scholarship is valued at more than $130,000, according to a press release.

“These 20 students from 20 different high schools show that incredibly high-achieving students are found throughout Arizona, studying at a diverse mix of schools in the heart of our largest cities and in some of our smallest communities,” stated Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation vice president, scholarship and education initiatives, in the release. “These students will enhance the Flinn Scholars community and represent our state well both on and off campus in all of their pursuits.”

This year’s Flinn Scholars will be attending the honors colleges at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. The scholarship is awarded strictly on merit.

Now in its 38th year, the scholarship is supported by the Phoenix-based Flinn Foundation in partnership with the three state universities. The Flinn Scholars represent public district and charter high schools.

The Flinn Scholars Class of 2023 plans to study a wide range of subjects, including neuroscience, physiology and medical sciences, English, political science, molecular biosciences and biotechnology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, finance and more, the release stated.

About the 2023 Flinn Scholars

• Six Flinn Scholars attend high schools that mark their first Flinn Scholar: BASIS Mesa, Valley Vista High School in Surprise, Youngker High School in Buckeye, BASIS Peoria, Superior Senior High School and Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley.

• Three high schools have their second Flinn Scholar: Basha High School in Chandler, North Phoenix Preparatory Academy and Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale.

• Bioscience High School has a Flinn Scholar for the third straight year, while Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, Red Mountain High School and North Phoenix Preparatory Academy all have a Flinn Scholar for the second year in a row.

• Seven Flinn Scholars live and attend high school outside of Maricopa County: Eloy, San Tan Valley, Superior, Tucson and Yuma.

• More than 1,000 applications were received for the scholarships, an award rate of 1.9%.

To qualify, Flinn Scholars must excel in the classroom and typically rank in the top 5% of their graduating class. They must also demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities both at school and in their communities.

“Our new class of Flinn Scholars represents the best of Arizona and is filled with our state’s future thinkers and leaders,” stated Tammy McLeod, Flinn Foundation president and CEO, in the release.

Beyond the full tuition, other benefits of the scholarship include:

• funding for an international summer seminar after the scholar’s freshman year and at least one additional study-abroad experience;

• participation in a community of more than 700 current and alumni Flinn Scholars, including about 80 scholars studying at the three universities at any given time;
• membership in a university honors college with amenities including small classes, access to researchers and guest lectures;

• personal mentorship from faculty and fellow scholars, as well as exposure to Arizona and global leaders in business, government, science and the arts;
• and intellectual, cultural and social activities developed for Flinn Scholars by the Flinn Foundation and the universities.