PHOENIX, AZ (September 2, 2025) – Catholic Education Arizona awarded tuition scholarships to 4,100 Catholic School students in the Diocese of Phoenix after the first round of applications was completed. This back-to-school season, thousands of students are able to attend Catholic schools because of AZ Individual and Corporate tax credits.

“Education scholarships for students in grades K–12 are truly life-changing and community-transforming,” said Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona. “We believe every family deserves the opportunity to choose the education that best fits their children’s needs.”

In addition to supporting thousands of families, Catholic Education Arizona awarded 140 scholarships to students with disabilities and 18 students in the foster care system through the AZ Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credit.

“Without this generous support, we would not have been able to afford a Catholic education for our daughter,” shared the Escobedo family, proud scholarship recipients. “The scholarship has lifted this burden.”

Since 1998, Catholic Education Arizona has awarded 161,000 critical tuition scholarships to underserved, disabled, and foster students, helping families access the education that is best suited for the needs of their children. Catholic Education Arizona accepts contributions through the Arizona Individual Private Education Tax Credits, the Arizona Low-Income and Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credits, as well as traditional donations and planned gifts.

Individuals and corporations continue to support Catholic Education Arizona and The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools because of their impressive results:

  • 99% graduation rate
  • 96% matriculation to higher education, trade school, or enter military service
  • 1000s of hours of community service are conducted annually

Catholic Education Arizona is the largest provider of scholarships to families attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 1998, $383 million has been raised and over 161,000 scholarships have been awarded. Catholic Education Arizona is changing lives one scholarship at a time through tax credits, planned gifts, and donations. Visit www.ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542 to learn more.

 

Contact: Debra Preach, Chief Operating Officer
Catholic Education Arizona
dpreach@ceaz.org
(602) 218-6542

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