Central Arizona College students who do not qualify for federal Pell Grants will have a new way to pay for textbooks starting in fall 2026 — a $500 book scholarship funded by the college's own support staff.

The Central Arizona College Foundation recently received a donation from the college's Support Staff Association to create the 500 for 500 Book Scholarship. One $500 award will be given each semester to help a student buy the books required for their courses. CAC is Pinal County's community college, serving students from across the San Tan Valley area.

Who the Scholarship Is For

The scholarship is aimed at students who may not qualify for the federal Pell Grant — a grant for students with the greatest financial need that does not have to be repaid — and who have not received other book scholarships. That design targets students in the gap: those whose finances put federal grants out of reach but who still face the real cost of course materials each semester.

How to Apply

To be considered, students must complete all required financial aid paperwork, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA — the free federal form that determines what aid a student can receive — along with the CAC Foundation scholarship application. Support staff will work with the college's Financial Aid Department to select a recipient each semester.