Scholarships give Arizona students freedom to pursue goals

By Stacy Mantle
Mail

Ten Arizona students are beginning their higher education journeys with fewer financial worries thanks to a $100,000 scholarship investment from Cox Communications.

Each recipient received $10,000 to put toward tuition, books or living costs — support Cox leaders say is designed to help students thrive in college and beyond.

“We hope that by taking some of the financial pressure off these students, it will be one less thing they have to worry about,” said Susan Anable, Cox Phoenix market vice president. “We want them to focus on their studies while exploring career opportunities so they can pay it forward and contribute back to society.”

Student voices

The students, drawn from diverse schools and backgrounds across the Phoenix area, say the scholarships make an immediate difference.

• Yaritza Breceda, a graduate of Alhambra High School heading to Arizona State University to study political science, said the award boosts her confidence. “Knowing Cox invested in me motivates me to work even harder in my studies and in giving back to my community.”
  
  
• Abraham Kim, a homeschooled graduate attending Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, described the recognition as inspiring. “Thank you so much to Cox for believing in me and believing in students, because I believe that we are going to shape the future. The Cox scholarship program and support are immense and very inspiring for us.”
  
  
• Caley Suarez Ortega, a Phoenix Metro Tech High School graduate bound for ASU computer science, said she sees the scholarship as opening new doors. “This support lets me pursue my passion for technology and gives me hope that I can contribute to innovation in Arizona.”
  
  
• Sophia Pina, who graduated from Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix and will study psychology at Grinnell College, said she felt seen. “I couldn’t believe they read my story and chose me for this scholarship! They believed in me and that meant a lot.”
  
  
• Nila Sathyan, a graduate of Desert Vista High School in Phoenix heading to ASU for biology, said the award reinforces her career path. “This scholarship helps me take the next step toward becoming a doctor without as much financial stress.”
  
  
• Caden Becker, a Paradise Valley High School graduate pursuing biochemistry at the University of Texas, said the scholarship creates space to dream bigger. “The Cox scholarship allows students from Arizona to have more financial freedom in college, which allows them to better fit their goals in their college journey.”
  
  
• Nadia Harris, a Casteel High School graduate in Queen Creek who is heading to Oral Roberts University for political science, said the award eased her concerns about affording college. “Earning the Cox scholarship was an answer to all my worries and problems about whether I would have enough money to go to school.”
  
  

• Jacob Sajan, a Centennial High School graduate in Peoria attending ASU for computer science, said the moment felt surreal. “It was surreal because I remember waking up to the email and reading it. I just kept rereading it over and over again, and I didn’t really believe it.”

A ripple effect

Cox officials emphasize that beyond financial help, the scholarships are about planting seeds for long-term community impact.

“These scholarships reflect Cox’s commitment to supporting individuals within the communities we serve,” Anable said. “We are delighted to help this outstanding group of young adults from Arizona pursue their educational dreams.”

Cox is no stranger to educational endowments. "We have awarded $240,000 through this scholarship program," said Melany Stroupe,  Public Affairs Manager at Cox. "It's one of the many ways we are committed to the local community.
Specifically for education, we have opened nearly 50 COX innovation labs across the state. Eash innovation lab provides equipment, connectivity and resources for the community it serves. The Boy and Girls Club is a frequent partner, but we also provide them for seniors, workforce development and underserved rural communities. On August 28, we opened one at Goodwill’s Excel Center adult high school and on Sept 5, we are opening one up at the Indian Center. We are also partners with Junior Achievement and just completed a refresh of our storefront last month. Students can learn what it takes to be a field tech, camera operator, retail store manager and even a podcast host."

Cox also offers affordable internet, known as Connect2Compete, for students. 

As the students prepare for fall classes, they say they see the award not only as a gift, but as a challenge — to excel in their chosen fields and to give back.

“I feel like I’ve been given an opportunity to focus fully on my education,” Harris said. “And I know I’ll pay it forward.”

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.