Arizona Breaking Barriers Scholarship

Honoring student athletes who break barriers and overcome obstacles.

For student athletes who turn struggle into strength

Since 2021, Desert Financial Foundation has offered a scholarship program for student athletes who show resilience in and outside of athletic competitions. Fifteen Arizona high school seniors participating in organized sports will be recognized with a $3,000 scholarship for their freshman year at an Arizona college.

Requirements

Be an Arizona high school senior graduating by spring 2026.
Participate on a high school or other organized sporting team, such as a league or club.
Plan to attend an in-state college or university in the fall.
Have a 3.0 cumulative weighted GPA or higher.
Demonstrate financial need.
You do not need to be a member of Desert Financial to qualify.

Before submitting a nomination, please review these important guidelines.

Inspired by local heroes

The Arizona Breaking Barriers Scholarships are inspired by Krysten Muir, Anthony Robles and the trailblazing athletes of girls flag football.

Krysten Muir broke barriers in 2015-2016 as a kicker for the Marcos de Niza High School football team in Tempe. She leaves a legacy as the first female to score a point in an AIA state championship game and set the state record for points scored by a woman in the season. In January 2021, Krysten was in a car accident that caused partial paralysis. Through her hard work and dedication, she continues to conquer her goals and be an example of resiliency in the face of adversity.

Anthony Robles, one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Arizona State University^® history, broke barriers when he won the NCAA individual championship in 2011 despite being born with only one leg. He capped his collegiate career with a 36-0 record. Anthony became a motivational speaker and commentator, encouraging athletes everywhere to be unstoppable. His autobiography, Unstoppable, inspired a movie starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2025.

Girls flag football athletes shatter limits and overcome stereotypes to compete and grow in the sport they love. The Arizona Cardinals amplify their efforts through broadcasting games, donating equipment, hosting camps and presenting the Girls Flag Football Scholarship.

Awarding scholarship recipients

15 scholars

will be selected and receive $3,000 each.

Krysten Muir Scholars

Two recipients will be chosen by Krysten as Krysten Muir Scholars presented by the Arizona Cardinals.

Unstoppable Scholars

Two recipients will be chosen by Anthony as Unstoppable Scholars presented by Anthony Robles.

Girls Flag Football Scholar

A recipient will be chosen as the Girls Flag Football Scholar presented by the Arizona Cardinals.

Recipient notification

Scholarship recipients will be notified in late November or December.

Scholarship application process

Step 1

Fill out the application. Make sure you’re able to complete the application in one sitting. Information on partially completed applications won’t be saved.

Step 2

Your application will be reviewed by Desert Financial Foundation.

Step 3

If your application is accepted for a scholarship award, you will be notified via email.

Nominate a game-changer. Or be one.

The spotlight is on! Now through November 14, you can apply — or nominate an Arizona high school senior — for the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship presented by Desert Financial Foundation. It’s your chance to celebrate a standout student athlete who breaks barriers, inspires others and leads with heart. With one quick application, you can make a lifelong difference. Fill out the form below to apply or nominate someone!

Ready to get started?

Complete and submit the form below to apply for the Desert Financial Foundation Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship.

Are you submitting a nomination on behalf of yourself or someone else?*

Nominating myself

Nominating on their behalf

Nominator Information:

Nominator (Your) First Name*

Nominator (Your) Last Name*

Nominator (Your) Email Address*

Nominee Information:

Student First Name*

Student Last Name*

Student Email Address*

Student Phone*

Student City*

Student Zip or Postal Code*

Student Race

Race Self-Described

Student Gender

Gender Self-Described

Student Pronouns

Pronouns Self-Described

Where is the nominee attending high school?

Student Current High School Name*

Student High School State*

Cumulative Weighted GPA*

Are you graduating this academic year?*

Which college(s) does the nominee potentially plan to attend?

College Name*

College Other

Add College

2nd College Name

2nd College Other

Add College

3rd College Name

3rd College Other

Financial Need - family information

Total individuals in household including student *

Combined household annual income

What sport(s) does the nominee participate in?

Sport 1*

Add Sport

Sport 2

Add Sport

Sport 3

Does the student intend to play a sport in college?*

If Yes, please describe their intended participation.

What organization or affiliation does the nominee play with?

Name of Organization *

Add Another

Name of Organization 2

Add Another

Name of Organization 3

Essay Questions:

How is the student breaking barriers and demonstrating resilience on or off the field or court?*

How has this student displayed good character or citizenship by serving in the community? What other values does this nominee exemplify?*

How will this scholarship advance the student’s educational and career goals?*

(Optional) Is there anything else you would like to share about what makes this student uniquely qualified?

How did you hear about the desert financial foundation breaking barriers student athlete scholarship?*

What Breaking Barriers Scholars are saying

"This scholarship means a lot to me and my family because I want to further my education."

Mike J.

"This scholarship will help me cover parts of my tuition. I’m really thankful for this opportunity."

Adela P.

Disclosures

Desert Financial Foundation is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN# 81-1028132.