Thanks to the help of a nonprofit foundation, 63 young Arizonans are already on track to attend college.
Bernard Black Elementary School in Phoenix’s Roosevelt School District No. 66 made the surprise announcement last week.
Last night, the Rosztoczy Foundation surprised 63 Bernard Black 3rd graders with the promise of full-ride college scholarships after graduating from a PXU high school. PXU can’t wait to welcome the class of 2031 onto our campuses after they complete 8th grade! 🎉 #ThisIsWhoWeAre pic.twitter.com/8KK0JXTKcI
— PXU (@PhoenixUnion) April 26, 2022
While visiting the school, the Arizona-based Rosztoczy Foundation formally pledged to cover the entire third-grade class’s college tuition, books, and campus housing.
In order to reap this massive benefit, the students have to graduate from both Bernard Black Elementary and, eventually, an institution within the Phoenix Union High School District. They would also have to attend an in-state college — such as the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, or Northern Arizona University.
Bernard Black Elementary School invited 3rd graders & their parents for what they thought was just another assembly. They were all in for a huge surprise. 63 students were awarded college scholarships courtesy of the Rosztoczy Foundation. @12News‘ article: https://t.co/VuSZl2DGBW pic.twitter.com/kTpIQ4CtOt
— Dorn Policy Group (@DornPolicyGroup) May 2, 2022
The news was shared during a school assembly last Monday.
“The goal [of the initiative] is that finances will not be the barrier, that college is an option for every third grader right here,” Roosevelt School District Superintendent Quintin Boyce noted during the gathering.
As you can imagine, students and parents were thrilled over the matter.
“I am very happy because I do want to go to college like my sisters,” Abisaíl Castañeda, one of the lucky 63 students, said.
“It will be a big difference,” Abisaíl’s father, Asael Castañeda, added. “He has secured the scholarship and will not limit himself to worry about which career and money troubles.”
This is pretty awesome:https://t.co/W1VbhzMP1r
— AZ Alison (@NobleBirth) May 3, 2022
Pamela Vigil, principal of Bernard Black Elementary, noted that she’s hopeful the full-ride scholarship pushes the third graders to “work hard, stay focused, [and] be motivated.”
“I want every student to know that they have a promise of a college education and that with this promise, a world of opportunity is at their fingertips,” she said.
This isn’t the first time the Rosztoczy Foundation has come through for young students in the Valley of the Sun.
In 2012, the organization made a similar promise to students at Michael Anderson Elementary School. Today, many of these students are wrapping up their first year of college and testimonials about the experience are on the Rosztoczy Foundation’s website.
