The Central Arizona College Foundation and Central Arizona College have worked together to open the doors of educational opportunity to more Pinal County students with Pinal Promise; a program developed exclusively for students who reside in and graduate from a high school in Pinal County.
What is Pinal Promise?
The Pinal Promise (formerly known as Promise for the Future) educational initiative was launched in 2001 by a caring community that believed that college should be a reality for every Pinal County student. This program was developed to encourage young people to stay in high school, graduate, and move on to a college or university.
More than a decade later, the Promise continues with the original partnership of CAC Foundation, Central Arizona College, and Pinal County School Districts with a new focus on ease of access and equity for all Pinal County students.
How does Pinal Promise impact students?
Starting in Spring 2021, all students who reside in Pinal County and graduate from a Pinal County high school are eligible to receive two years of in-state tuition (fall/spring, fall/spring) funded by CAC and the CAC Foundation. This alleviates a huge financial burden for students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.
Pinal Promise provides funding for any tuition need that has not been met. This means that Pinal Promise funds will be applied after all other Financial Aid has been applied to the student’s account (this excludes student loans).
To be eligible for Pinal Promise, students must:
- – Reside and graduate from a Pinal County high school (online high schools must have a physical presence in Pinal County).
- – Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.gov.
- – Complete and submit the online CAC Scholarship application.
- – Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (completing a minimum of 9 credits per semester).
- – Be pursing a CAC degree or certificate.
- – Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at CAC.
- – Maintain continuous enrollment each semester, excluding summer term.
- – Participate in 20 hours of community service that can be completed in high school or while attending CAC.
Important Notes:
- – If the student is unable to meet the criteria, they will permanently lose Pinal Promise funds.
- – No high school GPA is required.
- – Funding will begin the fall semester after high school graduation.