APS to provide scholarships for Hopi students

HOPI RESERVATION, Ariz. - In an effort to get current Hopi college students to think about how they can best serve their community as well as to increase college graduation rates, the Arizona Public Service (APS) Foundation has partnered with the Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) to offer a unique scholarship opportunity.

The APS Hopi Scholars Program will provide a total of 24 scholarships for $3,500 each over three years for sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing an AAS, AA, BA or BS at an accredited college or university for the 2010-2011 Academic Year (AY) - with a multi-year commitment from APS running through spring 2013.

The partnership is a first step for the HEEF in broadening and pursuing new scholarship initiatives for Hopi students. "We thank APS for helping us to bring much needed scholarship opportunities to the Hopi reservation," said HEEF Executive Director LuAnn Leonard. "We view our students as investments in our future. As such we look forward to learning how students intend to utilize their education to best serve the Hopi people."

In line with APS and the HEEF's commitment to the communities they serve, students applying for the scholarships are required to fulfill general eligibility requirements in addition to submitting a one page essay regarding "Commitment to Community." Also, as a condition of accepting the award, APS scholar recipients must perform 40 hours of service to the Hopi community.

"On behalf of the HEEF board members and staff, it is with great pleasure that we accept the wonderful grant award which APS has so generously made in the name of educational endeavors for the Hopi people," added HEEF President Romalita Laban. "With the help of APS, a part of Arizona for years, the HEEF vision for addressing current needs while planning for the future is coming to fruition. The award will cover some operating expenses and most importantly, scholarships, which will directly benefit Hopi individuals. Askwali and Kwa' kwa to APS."

"The APS Foundation is committed to making a difference in Arizona through strategic investments and partnerships in education," said Tammy McLeod, APS Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, and member of the APS Foundation. "We are proud of our partnership with the Hopi Education Endowment Fund and commend its staff, board of directors and the Hopi Tribal Council for relentlessly working to increase the educational attainment of Hopi youth. We believe in the importance of HEEF's mission and congratulate the organization for 10 years of tremendous impact and success."

Questions can be directed to the Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship Program at 1-800-762-9630. The HEEF is a non-profit entity of the Hopi Tribe. For more information contact HEEF via e-mail heef@hopieducationfund.org, or visit our website at www.hopieducationfund.org.

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