SaddleBrooke Community Outreach Scholarship Students Express Their Gratitude | Community

Carson Keagan and Gabriella Gonzalez are currently pursuing four-year college degrees with the assistance of scholarships from SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO). Each year, SBCO awards College Scholarships to deserving high school students living in the Copper Corridor, from Catalina north to Globe and Miami. Recipients are chosen based upon their financial situation, high school grades, school and community activities, an essay about personal and professional goals, letters of recommendation, along with a personal interview with committee members. Students attending two-year colleges receive a $1,800 per year scholarship while those attending four-year institutions receive $3,600 per year. If a student’s tuition and other expenses are otherwise covered, SBCO will pay for other school-related expenses to offer the maximum benefit from the scholarship.

Carson Keagan says, “Currently, I am working toward completing my degree in software engineering with a minor in game design and development from the Honors College at the University of Arizona. My goal is to finish my studies with minimal financial strain, as I come from a single-income household and my mother is still paying off her own student loans. I am committed to reducing any additional financial burden on her, having seen her work hard to support both my sister and me.”

“Over the next two years, I plan to maintain my high GPA and am actively seeking an internship for the coming summers. This opportunity will allow me to apply my skills and gain valuable hands-on experience as a software engineer. While I am confident in my career path, I am still exploring the types of companies and fields within software engineering that best align with my interests and strengths. I hope an internship will help clarify these areas and give me insight into the environments where I would thrive.”

“Receiving the SaddleBrooke Community Outreach Scholarship Award has greatly supported my journey. Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to focus entirely on my studies without the added pressure of working, which has allowed me to better adapt to the Honors College and engineering curriculum. I’ve had the chance to form meaningful connections with other engineering students, live in the Honors Village, and fully immerse myself in my academic and personal growth. This year, the scholarship has enabled me to move into my own apartment, offering further independence while I remain dedicated to my academic goals.”

SBCO Scholarship recipient Gabriella Gonzalez is attending Howard College in Big Spring, Texas and is seeking a degree in elementary education. Howard is a two-year school that she is attending on a softball scholarship. Gabby plans to transfer to a four-year school upon graduation. She states, “Receiving the SBCO Scholarship has been a pivotal factor in achieving my college education. It has reduced the financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on how to pay for the tuition and other expenses. This support has allowed me to take full advantage of academic opportunities, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain experiences that I might have otherwise missed out on.”

“Once I receive my degree, I plan to pursue a career in teaching using the knowledge and skills that I have gained during my college years. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on my profession, contribute to my community and continue to grow both personally and professionally. The SBCO Scholarship has not only helped me reach this point but has also inspired me to give back and support others in their educational journey.”