Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community, the Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce a new milestone in its scholarships program—237 scholarships totaling $329,200 have been awarded to outstanding seniors in the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Class of 2025. This achievement represents the largest amount ever distributed in the Foundation’s history, far surpassing last year’s total of $240,000.
Each of these scholarships reflects the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue further study—whether through a four-year degree, a trade certification, or an associate program. CEF currently stewards nearly 100 donor-established awards, each with its own unique purpose and criteria, along with two Foundation-administered scholarships: the IMPACT Chandler Scholarship and the newly launched Foundation Award.
This year, more than 2,200 applications were reviewed, thanks to the time and effort of dozens of volunteer evaluators and donors. This community-wide effort ensures that every award goes to a deserving student. CEF is deeply grateful to all who gave their time, energy, and heart to this process.
Among the highlights of this year’s awards is the debut of the Bison Scholarship, awarding more than $47,000 to students pursuing careers in trades and technical fields, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.
“Bison Scholarships are designed to support students pursuing 1-year certificates or 2-year associate degrees in high-demand skilled trades and technical fields,” said co-founders Robert Bell and Bruce Bowen. “Our goal in establishing these awards is to reward hard work and change lives.”
In addition to donor-funded awards, CEF continues to grow its IMPACT Chandler Service Leadership Program, which recognized 242 graduates for exemplary community service and academic achievement. Among those, a record 132 seniors earned the competitive IMPACT Scholarship—made possible through proceeds from CEF’s popular Winner’s Choice Car or Cash Raffle.
“To me, these awards represent the opportunity to create my own path using the support of the incredible community around me,” said Sierra Powers, recipient of both the Basha High Pay It Forward Scholarship and an IMPACT Chandler Scholarship.
Sierra was one of the nearly 200 students who attended celebratory events held at each of CUSD’s six high schools, where donors had the chance to meet and honor the students they support. These heartwarming events highlight what makes this program so special: a community investing in its own future.
The Chandler Education Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who make this possible. Your commitment transforms lives and strengthens our entire community.
Be Part of the Story
If you or your organization would like to support the future of CUSD students by establishing a named scholarship, we invite you to contact us directly by email or submit this Scholarship Establishment form.
