The Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy of the Goldwater Institute is pleased to offer the Arizona Civics Scholars Program, which provides renewable scholarships up to $1,500 to as many as 50 graduating high school seniors and college students who enroll in partnering higher education programs focused on civics, public policy, constitutionalism, history, and/or classical education.
For the 2026-2027 school year, scholarships are available to students who enroll in any of the following programs:
- The School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL / “the Civics School”) at Arizona State University (ASU). Students who enroll in the Civic and Economic Thought and Leadershipdegree program (major) offered by SCETL are eligible to receive a $1,500 scholarship. Degree-seeking students who enroll in the Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership minor offered by SCETL are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship. Select additional majors, minors, and certificates being developed by SCETL, such as its proposed program in American Constitutionalism, will also be eligible for this award.
- The Canyon Civic Institute at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Students who apply for and are ultimately accepted as part of the Canyon Civic Institute program at GCU are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in 3-5 in-person and/or virtual seminars or workshops during the 2026-2027 year featuring guest speakers including public policy leaders, scholars, and survivors of authoritarian regimes.
Scholarships are open to:
- Any graduating Arizona high school student who has been admitted to Arizona State University or Grand Canyon University beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, or
- Any student currently enrolled at ASU or GCU who is not already enrolled in a qualified program as a declared major, minor or certificate candidate or fellow.
Application Form
Students may apply beginning February 16th, 2026.
Selection Criteria
Selection priority will be given to students who:
- Demonstrate academic or career related interest or commitment to civics, public policy, constitutionalism, political science, history, and/or classical education.
- Demonstrate interest or commitment to constitutional principles.
- Demonstrate past academic achievement.
To promote depth and variety of scholars’ academic experiences, selection priority will also be given:
- For up to 20 students pursuing a qualified major for the 2026-2027 school year (e.g. Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership degree).
- For up to 20 students pursuing a qualified minor or certificate.
- For up to 10 students participating as fellows of a qualified program (e.g. Canyon Civics Institute).
Award determinations will be issued beginning on June 1st and on a rolling basis thereafter.
Note, students may be required to complete a Zoom interview to corroborate information provided in the application process.
Scholarship award payments will be made in two-installments, with initial payment made during the Fall 2026 semester and the remainder of the award issued upon completion of the 2026-2027 school year to selected recipients who successfully complete at least the following requirements of their respective programs:
- For majors: at least three 3-credit classes in the qualified program.
- For minors/certificates: at least two 3-credit classes in the qualified program.
- For institute fellows: remain an active member of the qualified program as verified by program director or administrator.
Scholarship awards may be renewable for additional years based on demonstrated academic achievement, program participation, and award funding availability.
For additional information, please contact info@goldwaterinstitute.org
