Northern Arizona University is taking part in an innovativeneed-based financial aid program that pairs $3.1 million in scholarships with more than 700 low-income students in Arizona.<\/p>\n
Arizona\u2019s three state universities are partnering with the Tucson-based non-profit organization Live the Solution to launch the AZ Earn to Learn<\/a> scholarship program. Eligibility requires participation in a savings plan and completion of financial literacy and college readiness training.<\/p>\n AZ Earn to Learn is funded with $1.55 million from the Department of Health and Human Services under the auspices of the Assets for Independence Program provided to the three state universities, each of which also will provide matching funds.<\/p>\n NAU’s commitment is $300,000 with a federal match of $300,000, according to Erin Grisham<\/strong>, executive director of NAU\u2019s Educational Support Services, which will oversee the program.<\/p>\n NAU will target new transfer students who have a high level of unmet financial need and students in NAU\u2019s TRIO and other outreach programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAZ Earn to Learn is a groundbreaking initiative that will provide critical need-based aid to students who otherwise might not have access to higher education,\u201d said Rick Myers<\/strong>, chair of the Arizona Board of Regents. \u201cI am extremely proud that our state universities are leading the nation in this unique program.\u201d<\/p>\n Grisham said program services will include financial literacy workshops, college planning and\u00a0mentoring to ensure participants have the skills necessary to be\u00a0successful.<\/p>\n NAU hopes to distribute at least $500 per student, she said.\u00a0If the savings goal is met and they participate in the program, then at the time of enrollment at NAU they are eligible for an additional $4,000.<\/p>\n Eligibility guidelines, program requirements and application are available online<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"