2026 Adelante Scholarship

About the Adelante Scholarship

In partnership with the Helios Education Foundation, Aliento, and Education Forward Arizona have joined forces to re-engage young adults in pursuing higher education through the Adelante Scholarship.

Beyond financial assistance, scholarship recipients gain access to Aliento’s holistic student programming, including guidance, peer networking, and personalized coaching to help them thrive academically and personally.

The scholarship is open to both community college and university students.

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Application Deadline: March 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Financial Support:

    • Award of up to $5,000 per academic year for students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree ($2,500 per semester)

    • Award of up to $2,500 per academic year for students enrolled in an associate’s degree ($1,250 per semester).

  • Comprehensive Support:

    • Access to Aliento’s holistic student programming, network, and coaching.

    • Participation in peer networking sessions, trainings, and workshops.

    • Access to on campus resources.

  • Renewable: Scholarship is renewable for up to one year.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be eligible for in-state tuition under Prop 308 (DACA or undocumented).

  • Have graduated from an Arizona high school or equivalent.

  • Be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credit hours) for the Fall 2026 semester.

Application Checklist

Be prepared to submit the following:

  1. Federal Student Aid Estimator (copy).

  2. Unofficial transcript (most recent high school or college).

  3. Fall 2026 Enrollment verification.

  4. Two essays.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dreamer/ DACA students + returning students (with or without DACA) who attended an AZ high school or equivalent (homeschool) for 2 years and graduated from an AZ high school or obtained a GED

  • You will be asked to upload one of the following to confirm your status: self-attestation statement, employment authorization card, or DACA approval/renewal.

  • Yes. If you are not yet registered for Fall 2026, you may submit proof that you have applied or intend to enroll instead of registration. You may also submit an incomplete unofficial transcript, as long as it is the most recent version available at the time of application.

  • Yes. We encourage students at all college levels to apply, including those attending community colleges and universities.

  • An unofficial transcript is a copy of your academic record that shows your classes and grades. It does not need to be sealed or sent directly by your school. High school students can usually download an unofficial transcript through their school’s student portal or request one from their counselor. College students can typically access an unofficial transcript through their college or university’s online student portal.

  • The Federal Student Aid Estimator is an online tool that provides an estimate of the federal financial aid you may be eligible to receive, including grants and loans. Anyone can use the estimator, regardless of immigration status or eligibility for federal aid. It does not require you to complete or submit the FAFSA. You can access the estimator by visiting the Federal Student Aid website and entering basic information about your household and finances. A copy or screenshot of your results can be uploaded as part of your scholarship application.

  • How does receiving the Adelante Scholarship support your educational goals? Please share any challenges or obstacles you faced paying for school or based on being undocumented/DACA.

    Describe who you are beyond your academics. Highlight any extracurricular activities, work experience, leadership roles, and personal values that have shaped your identity. What motivates you, and what causes or passions are most important to you as you reflect on your personal circumstances?

  • We recommend that applicants submit their essays in English. Applicants may include a Spanish version of their essay below the English response if they would like. We recognize that some ideas and experiences may not fully translate from Spanish to English. If language support is needed, applicants are encouraged to sign up for education office hours for additional guidance and support.

  • Once selected, we will contact your school and distribute the funds directly to the institution.

  • Scholarship funds may be used to support educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and other costs related to attending college. Funds should be used in a way that supports your academic progress and continued enrollment.

  • Yes: http://bit.ly/eduofficehrs

  • Yes!

  • Yes, this will not be shared with anyone outside of the reviewers, participating organizations in the scholarship, and the higher education institution of your choice.

  • Not outside the organizations that manage the scholarship.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

For assistance or inquiries, contact:

  • Christian Muñoz (Aliento): cmunoz@alientoaz.org

  • Myrna Cardenas (Education Forward Arizona): mentoring@educationforwardarizona.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future!