The Swanson Agency Courage in Service Scholarship is a two-year financial award created to support exceptional high school seniors in Arizona as they pursue college education. It honors the legacy of Mr. Derrald Swanson—Army veteran, devoted father, community servant, and selfless hero who gave his life trying to save another from drowning.
Mr. Swanson exemplified what it means to lead with courage, live with purpose, and serve others. This scholarship celebrates young people who carry that spirit forward.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Basic Qualifications
- High School Senior residing in Arizona
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Accepted to an accredited four-year college or university
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent resident
- Planning to enroll full-time in the next upcoming Fall semester
The following items will be required for the completion of this application
- Completed application form
- High school transcript (official or unofficial transcripts accepted)
- College admissions letter (may be forthcoming but must be obtained before distribution of funds)
- Recent photo of applicant
- One letter of recommendation (e.g. teacher, counselor or mentor)
- Personal statement essay
Award Details
- Finalists may be asked to participate in a short interview via zoom
- Year 1 - $1,500 scholarship
- Year 2 - $1,000 scholarship
- Funds applied directly to tuition, fees and educational expenses
- Recipients become part of Swanson Agency scholar network
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Awardee Notification: January 15, 2026
- Awardees MUST PARTICIPATE in a year-end academic check-in with the scholarship committee
