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The Arizona Board of Regents’ inaugural 91�鶹��Ʒ Golf Classic raised more than $90,000 to support the , helping Arizona high school seniors take a critical step toward enrolling in college.

Held at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix, home of Arizona State University’s golf teams, the event brought together business leaders, community partners and higher education supporters for a day focused on expanding college access. Proceeds from the tournament will help increase the number of scholarships available for students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and plan to enroll at one of Arizona’s public universities or community colleges.

“For many students, the FAFSA is the first step in understanding how college can be affordable,” Regent Gregg Brewster said. “This event turns generosity into opportunity and helps ensure Arizona students have the financial support they need to achieve their dreams.”

Ahead of the shotgun start, the event opened with remarks from the athletic directors of Arizona’s three public universities: Graham Rossini of Arizona State University, Beth Vechinski of Northern Arizona University and Desireé Reed‑Francois of the University of Arizona. They were joined by head coaches Kenny Dillingham of ASU football, Willie Bloomquist of ASU baseball, Brent Brennan of U of A football and Chip Hale of U of A baseball, who underscored the shared commitment of the state’s university athletics programs to student success on and off the field.

The opening program also featured remarks from Amelia Ray, a recipient of the College Ready AZ FAFSA Scholarship who plans to major in medical studies at ASU this fall. Ray shared how the scholarship helped remove financial barriers and keep her focused on her academic goals.

“This scholarship has eased the financial stress of college and allows me to focus fully on my studies,” Ray said. “I’m incredibly grateful to the board and the scholarship supporters for their generosity and for helping students like me pursue our education and make a positive impact.”

The event was made possible through the support of corporate and community sponsors, whose contributions are helping expand FAFSA completion and college‑going opportunities across the state. In addition to the tournament, the Golf Classic featured a silent auction with items donated by Arizona’s public university athletic departments, giving participants another way to support students while showcasing school pride from across the system.

During the 2025–26 school year, 25 students were awarded $2,000 College Ready AZ FAFSA Scholarships thanks to support from the Arizona Community Foundation, Helios Education Foundation and Valley of the Sun United Way. Funds raised through the inaugural 91�鶹��Ʒ Golf Classic will help build on that momentum by expanding the scholarship’s reach in future years.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must complete the FAFSA, submit a scholarship application through College Ready AZ and respond to a short essay prompt administered by the Arizona Community Foundation. Students are asked to describe how the scholarship would support their educational journey and how they hope to give back to their Arizona communities through their education.