By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
Sienna Hope Martinez’s path to a bachelor’s degree is likely to have taken six or more years if not for a scholarship. Her family income wouldn’t allow for studies free of worry about how to pay for the next class or whether taking a break would help her save up for the next step.
Martinez, a 2015 graduate of Douglas High School, received the 2015-2016 President’s Scholarship, funded by a contribution from the late Sierra Vista resident Betty Starysky. Started last year, the program seeks to help graduating high school seniors with a cumulative 3.25 GPA and leadership experience. Recipients earn $2,500 per year and are required to enroll full time and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Previously active in high school, Martinez says that without the scholarship, she and her mom would have found “somehow, some way” for her to go to college. Rather than worrying about money, she’s maximizing her time at Cochise by enrolling and excelling in 16 credits per semester. At that pace, she’ll complete her Cochise College studies within two years, pursue her next goal of studying dental hygiene at Northern Arizona University, and enter the professional workforce.
We think that Mrs. Starysky would be proud that her gift, a scholarship endowment she defined in her end-of-life plans, is helping students reach their potential. Planned gifts like hers are increasingly common, and we wish we could thank her. Donors who make gifts during their lifetime reap the emotional benefits of witnessing the impact of those contributions.
For high school graduating seniors and others planning to attend Cochise in the fall, donors have provided dozens of scholarships. The President’s Scholarship will again be available. But they’re not all for academic achievers. Do you have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0? Get yourself an application. Studying automotive technology or welding? You might qualify. Got an interest in or connection to Germany? There’s something for you.
Now is the time. Apply for scholarships and financial aid by March 31 in order to receive priority consideration for need-based scholarships. The Cochise College Financial Aid Office begins putting together aid packages soon after the priority deadline, helping students define their plans and the college prepare for incoming classes. Wait to apply until July or August and your chances of receiving scholarship funds diminish; you may qualify for federal financial aid but face a delay in receiving it.
Financial Aid Night at Cochise County high schools have already begun. If you’re the parent of a college-bound senior, make sure to attend one, or mark the evening of Thursday, Feb. 18 on your calendar and come to a financial aid “how to” session at the Sierra Vista Campus.
Given the need in Cochise County, the popularity of scholarships with donors, and the college’s desire to increase the number of high school graduating seniors enrolling at Cochise, we are working on a “scholarship guarantee” proposal we hope to share later. It’s an effort aimed not just at recruitment, but also at student success. We think we can help financially, reduce reliance on federal aid, and help students with completion.
Scholarships offer students an opportunity to pursue their dreams and donors an opportunity to make a difference. Everyone can feel good about that.
J.D. Rottweiler is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.