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President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera and Rima Brusi Endowment
Student Parent Grants
President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi have created a dedicated fund to provide financial support to students who are parents or guardians of minor children. This fund aims to provide financial support to alleviate hardships that may hinder a student’s ability to pursue their academic goals effectively.
This initiative acknowledges the unique challenges faced by student parents and aims to provide tangible support that can make a significant difference in their academic journey. It underscores NAU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those balancing parenthood with their educational pursuits.
- Purpose: The fund is specifically designed to assist NAU students who are parents or guardians of minor children and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.
- Grant Amount: Each year, two student parents will be awarded a grant of $2500. This financial support aims to help cover various expenses that are crucial for their academic success and well-being. This grant does not need to be repaid but may need to be reported as income for tax purposes.
- Eligible Expenses: The grant can be used to cover a range of expenses such as fees, rent, technology (likely for educational purposes), transportation, supplies, daycare costs, and other living expenses directly related to the student’s ability to complete their degree.
- Enrollment: Preference given to students/parents attending the Flagstaff Mountain Campus or a NAU Desert Campus and enrolled at least part-time (5 credits for graduate students and 6 credits for undergraduates).
- Residence: The student must be the parent or guardian of at least one minor child who resides with them at least 50% of the time.
- Previous Grant: Preference given to students/parents who have not previously received a $2,500 Cruz Rivera/Brusi grant.
- Household Limit: No other member of the student/parent’s household should have received a $2,500 Cruz Rivera/Brusi grant in the same academic year.
- Degree Completion: Preference given to student/parents on track to complete their degree in the same academic year as the grant application.
- International Students: International students are eligible to apply for this grant, but the award may be subject to U.S. federal tax withholding. Any applicable tax withholding will be determined in accordance with university and federal tax requirements.
- Complete the application form.
- Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on September 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified no later than October 15, 2026.