Description of the Nina Scholars Program: Full tuition with living allowance:   This scholarship program, created by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, is in tribute to the life & values of Nina Mason Pulliam (1906-1997), who was a journalist, business leader, humanitarian, and lover of all creatures Available to individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria:   Incoming freshmen ages 18-25 who have been raised through the child welfare system* and have no form of financial support College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities* Adults who are 25 years or older who have dependents in their family units* * See eligibility definitions below Applicants must also meet all of the following criteria:   Be working toward their first college degree Be a United States citizen and resident of the state of Arizona Demonstrate financial need, with priority given to those with a household income of 80 percent or less of the median income for Maricopa County (approximately $41,250 annually) Note: both colleges require applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (F.A.F.S.A), which must be postmarked by March 1. Have previously completed no more than 24 college level credits This scholarship pays full instate tuition, fees and books. It also provides a living allowance (up to $2,750). The application requires an essay, an official high school transcript (incoming freshmen) or previous college transcript (returning student), demonstrable financial need as determined by the F.A.F.S.A, and, if chosen as a finalist, an interview. Scholarship Eligibility Definitions: Child welfare system:   Incoming freshman or continuing students ages 18 to 25 who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no form of financial support. The child welfare system for the purposes of this scholarship program is described as the public-supported system that serves neglected, abused, abandoned, at-risk children and/or those who are wards of the courts. A person who has experienced time in the child welfare system may have lived in an institution such as a group home, child protection agency, or special facility for children, and/or with a foster family. This applies particularly to those persons who were raised away from their biological parents or relative caregivers for extended periods of time, were financially supported by sources other than their families, and are presently responsible for themselves financially. Physical Disability:   College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities A physical disability for the purposes of this scholarship program is one that limits or impairs a person's ability to access and/or be fully mobile on campus, and/or creates a special challenge for classroom instruction, tutoring, student support services, participation in campus offerings, and other academic and extracurricular activities. This includes disabilities that substantially limit major life activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, writing and working. These disabilities may be results of, but not limited to, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, speech impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, loss of limbs, and severe orthopedic injuries. Applicants are to provide official documentation of their physical disability from a medical or health care provider. Dependents in family unit:   Adults age 25 or older with dependents These are adults who are 25 years of age or older and have dependents in their family units (self not included). These adults may be first-time college students or returning students (those with previous college experience). The family unit may include relatives or other persons who may live in or outside the applicant's household but for whom the Internal Revenue Service has determined there is a financially dependent relationship. Note: These criteria are in addition to an applicant attesting to citizenship, residency, and income eligibility requirements as stated on the application form. back to top