What
is the Arizona Academic Scholars Program?
Arizona
Academic Scholars is an effort by area business and school volunteers to encourage
students to complete challenging courses during high school that will prepare
them for jobs or higher education after graduation. The Scholars Course of
Study gives students the foundation they need to succeed in a technical school,
community college, university, the military, or industry. With a Scholars
background, a person is a more attractive job candidate and more likely to
complete training or education that leads to better jobs and better pay.
Who
supports the Arizona Academic Scholars program?
Arizona
Academics Scholars is a federally funded initiative of the United States
Department of Education overseen by the Western Interstate Commission for
Higher Education (WICHE) in Boulder, Colorado. Local endorsers include the
Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Board of Regents, Governor Janet
Napolitano, the Arizona Community College System, and Arizona Business &
Education Coalition.
Who
are Arizona Academic Scholars?
State
Scholars are high school students who have completed the Scholars Course of
Study, a specific sequence of academic courses in math, science, language arts,
and social studies. The Arizona Academic Scholars philosophy is based on the
belief that it is better to pass an academically challenging course than to get
a higher grade in an easier course.
The
are currently 921 scholars in four pilot programs in communities across the
state of
Why
become an
Graduating
as an Arizona Academic Scholar means you will:
acquire
advanced academic skills
develop
sound decision-making and critical-thinking skills
be
more prepared for college and be less likely to need costly remedial courses
be
a stronger candidate for certain types of financial aid and scholarships
have
enhanced opportunities for placement and future advancement with local and
international employers.
Employers,
colleges, universities, and technical schools care about an applicant's overall
education, not just a grade-point average. They prefer people who have
completed a demanding course of study in high school. They value a C in a
challenging class more than an A in an easy one. Arizona Academic Scholars
receive special support and recognition for their academic achievements during
high school and upon graduation.
How
do I become an
Review
the requirements of your school district's Scholars Course of Study, enroll in
and pass the courses with at least a C or better, and graduate from high
school. And tell your parents, teachers, and school counselors that you want to
graduate as an Arizona Academic Scholar so that they can help you achieve your
goal.
Foundations for the
Future information
Contact
Susan
Carlson
Executive Director, ABEC
602.438.3191
susan@azbec.org
Mary
Wolf
Project Manager, Arizona Academic Scholars
480.730.1087
mary@azbec.org