PHOENIX — As part of the community-focused mission of Phoenix IDA and Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation, these organizations jointly fund the Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship.
Established in 2018 as the PCDIC Scholarship Fund, the scholarship was renamed to honor the late Ed Pastor and his wife, Velma, who were the first Mexican-Americans elected to the Arizona Legislature in 2019. it was done.
The Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship supports postsecondary education for economically necessary students who attend Maricopa County’s accredited public universities and pursue any field of study.
Students must be enrolled full-time, and scholarships are prioritized for high school seniors, first-time college students, and readmission students currently 26 years old and younger who are currently residing in Maricopa County.
Award amounts are $2,500 per academic year at two-year colleges and $5,000 at public colleges. The scholarship can be renewed for an additional year if the student is in good standing and maintains the required grade point average.
Interested applicants must apply online by May 1 at azfoundation.org/scholarships.
Juan Salgado, CEO of Phoenix IDA, said: “Since the scholarship first started in 2018, 264 students have received scholarships totaling more than $2 million. came to $580,000.”
Maple Waldron is currently on a Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship and is attending Arizona State University, majoring in Education.
“Before this scholarship, I had to work 40 hours a week while attending school full-time,” she said. “Now working part-time, she can participate directly in classes, which has helped her build confidence and connect with her fellow students and professors.”
The pastor has served as an important figure in the Phoenix community, influencing multiple generations of people dedicated to public service and community leadership. Ed Pastor was the first in his family to go to college, graduating from Arizona State University.
