Desert Financial Shares Success by Offering Scholarships in Arizona

Desert Financial believes in sharing success to support education and professional growth through scholarship programs for Arizona students. In 2015, Desert Financial Foundation was launched to support educational programs through fundraising efforts. Our scholarships support high school seniors who volunteer in our community, adult learners 25 and older and student athletes who have overcome adversity.

Founded by educators, Desert Financial Credit Union has a legacy of supporting teachers and students by giving back to education. We continue to honor our living legacy by offering scholarship programs for Arizona students through Desert Financial Foundation. By providing scholarship opportunities, we’re helping students follow their dreams or pursue, change or advance their careers.

We recognize now more than ever the need for financial assistance to help students stay on track with their education. Are you in need financially or know someone who is? Learn more about our three 2023 scholarship programs that offer $207,000 total in financial assistance.

2023 Community Service Scholarship Program

Our Community Service Scholarship program awards outstanding high school seniors who are passionate about paying it forward through community service.

• This scholarship opportunity is open to Arizona high school seniors who plan to attend an Arizona college or university.
• Applicant must have volunteered 50 or more hours between January 2022 — December 2022.
• 30 scholarships for $2,500 to $10,000 will be given, resulting in a total of $90,000 in scholarship dollars.
• Applications may be submitted January 9 — March 1, 2023.

As an organization committed to education and making lives better, we’re happy to support students who believe in our mission and are working to improve our community.

2023 Adult Learners Scholarship Program

Our Adult Learners Scholarship program awards members who are seeking funds to help them pursue their career goals.

• Member must be 25 or older.
• Be a Desert Financial member in good standing.
• Applicant must be enrolled in (or have plans to attend) an accredited college, university or certification program in Arizona.
• 35 scholarships will be awarded, and each recipient will receive $2,000, resulting in $70,000 in scholarships.
• The application timeframe is February 1 — April 3, 2023.

Desert Financial Foundation strongly values ongoing professional development and continuous learning to help people achieve their goals. We’re proud to offer this scholarship program targeted to adults who often have fewer scholarship opportunities.

2023 Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship

Since 2021, Desert Financial Foundation has partnered with the Arizona Cardinals to offer a scholarship program for student athletes who have broken barriers or overcome obstacles.

Fifteen Arizona high school seniors participating in organized sports will be recognized and receive a $3,000 scholarship for their freshman year at an Arizona college.

• Graduating Arizona high school senior (spring of 2024)
• Current athlete in an organized sporting team (e.g., high school, local public or private club, recreational league or other formal organizations)
• Plans to attend an Arizona college or university
• 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
• Membership with Desert Financial Credit Union is not required
• One scholar will be chosen by Krysten personally to be recognized as the Krysten Muir Scholar
• Application timeframe is September 1 — November 1, 2023

The scholarship is inspired by Krysten Muir, a former kicker on the Marcos de Niza High School football team and the first female player to score a point in an AIA state championship game. Krysten is striving to beat the odds again by recovering from a car accident in 2021 that left her with partial paralysis. Through her hard work, dedication and support, she continues to improve all the time.

InvestED in our team!

In summer 2020, Desert Financial Credit Union launched the InvestED program — our most significant employee benefit. In addition to scholarship programs for our members, we’re proud to offer our team members the opportunity to earn an online tuition-free undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. Employees pursuing graduate degrees or certificates can receive up to $10,500 in annual assistance. This extraordinary opportunity is just another reason Desert Financial Credit Union has been named one of the Best Places to Work and a Most Admired Companies honoree.

We love to support the educational pursuits of high achievers! But that’s not the only way we share success. Learn more about our Random Acts of Kindness, community projects, member relationship rewards, exceptional experiences and extensive work perks and benefits.