youth
scholarships
Each year, Community Celebrating Diversity offers youth scholarships to college-bound high school students. The sponsors of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event provides the funds for the scholarships.
Since 2007, 63 students have been awarded a total of $152,500 in scholarships. (2024)
The 2025 scholarship cycle is closed.
Please contact Joe Rusin at 480-205-8620 for further information.
scholarship
requirements
The Community Celebrating Diversity Scholarship is funded by the corporate sponsors of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. CCD sponsors five $2,500 scholarships (two for pursuing a STEM degree and three for general education) to high school graduates who show promise of continued excellence in academics and community service.
These scholarships are for study at post-secondary institutions of higher education in Arizona. The following selection criteria are utilized in identifying our scholarship recipients:
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The eligible student must be a full-time resident of Arizona and has community involvement in Scottsdale.
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The eligible student must be a U.S. citizen, or provide evidence that he or she is a permanent resident of the United States.
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The eligible student must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP CYCLE IS CLOSED
2025 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP RECEPIENTS
Kingston Grant
Kingston wants to take his creative passions to the next level and give back to benefit his community. While in high school, Kingston had the wonderful opportunity of being a dual enrolled student at SCC, and he is looking forward to finishing his Associates degree next year and transferring to ASU. Kingston has also been a CTE certified Graphic Design Intern, a recipient of the Seal of Biliteracy award from the State of Arizona, the host and emcee for the 2025 25th annual MLK Youth Voices event, part of the Theatre crew, and part of the National Thespian Honors Society.
Leyhi Hurtado
Leyhi Hurtado graduated from Horizon High School. She has been very involved with her community and her academics throughout her highschool career. As part of the National Honors Society and Key Club Leyhi completed over 50 hours of community service. Leyhi was involved with the Society of Women’s Scholars, Spanish Honorary Society, and track and field, and will be graduating with a 4.6 GPA. Leyhi plans on attending the University of Arizona and plans on majoring in either business or public health. Lehyi hopes to attend medical school after college as well!
Brick Shultz
Brick will be graduating from Saguaro High School and attending ASU Barrett Honors College in the fall. Brick was Saguaro's Senior Class President, a distinguished graduate of Saguaro's Math and Science Academy, Choir Co-President graduating with the Fine Arts Seal, Varsity Baseball State Champion, and a member of the Youth Leadership Council for the Make-a-Wish Organization. Next year, Brick will be majoring in Artificial Intelligence in Business. At ASU, he is hoping to get involved as much as possible and utilize leadership in everything he is involved in.
Ethan Low
Ethan Low will be graduating from Desert Mountain High School as part of the International Baccalaureate program. He plans to attend Arizona State University as a student in the Barrett Honors College, where he intends to study Mechanical Engineering. Ethan has volunteered over 150 hours through his Eagle Scout project as a member of Boy Scout Troop 316. He is also an article writer for the Scientific Teen, a member of the National Honor Society, serves as president of the DMHS Tutoring Club, and is a member of the National Chinese Honor Society.
Nayely Acosta
At Saguaro High School, Nayely was a National Honors Society member, a consistent volunteer at a wide range of events/programs, and earned high enough grades to earn the Honors scholarship at Scottsdale Community College. At Scottsdale Community College, Nayely has been pursuing an associates degree in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences while maintaining her Honors eligibility, a 4.0 GPA, and her status as a volunteer. After earning her associates, Nayely will be pursuing a bachelors degree in Behavioral Sciences at South Mountain Community College!
Emily Marmis
Emily is graduating from Desert Mountain High School as Magna Cum Laude with a 4.25 GPA. She will be attending the University of Arizona in the Eller Business College. Emily has been active in Student Government, leading the Teacher outreach and appreciation committee and planning events. She played soccer for 13 years, serving as captain for both her club and high school Varsity teams. Additionally, Emily is President of Interactions and Social Media for Ambassadors Club. This year, Emily took initiative and led a luncheon for new students to meet new people and make connections to feel welcome at school.
2024 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
2024 Scholarship Award Recipients Nayely Acosta, Gabriella Garcia, Alexander Coppo (not pictured), Olivia Wong, Jordan Gauthier, and Christopher Ramos (not pictured).
2023 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023 Scholarship Award Recipients Zack Okun, Kaitlyn Cross, Sofia Vitaro, and Anna Schultz.
2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2022 Scholarship Award Recipients Natalie Foster and Esther Low.
2021 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2021 Scholarship Award Recipients Jazmin Preston, Jessica Gordon, Aylin Garcia Lugo, Cassandra Coppo, and Arianna Silva
2020 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2020 Scholarship Award Recipients William Noll, Eve Rennie, Jaclyn Fishbach, Carsten Ramirez, and Brianne Iannone.
2019 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2019 Scholarship Award Recipients Ally Lugowski, Pilar Artega, Mia Powell, Kaitlyn Moorehaed, and Max Walker (not pictured) with the MLK Event Scholarship Committee, CCD Board Members, and Sponsors.
2018 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2018 Scholarship Award Recipients Analisa Peterson and Maheeyah Mukarram with the MLK Event Scholarship Committee, CCD Board Members, and Sponsors.
2017 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
2017 Scholarship Award Recipient Grace Sluga with the MLK Event Scholarship Committee, CCD Board Members, and Sponsors.
