Become a Nina Scholar
student testimonials
Ray C., 2017 
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Business (Communication)
WP Carey School of Business
"Pursuing a post-secondary education at a university was always a dream. However, with their support and resources, the Nina Mason Pulliam Scholarship made that dream a reality."
Patrick A., 2016
Degree: Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
“Because of the generosity of the Nina Scholars Program, I was extremely grateful to not feel the added pressure of financial burden. The staff was always helpful and available to answer questions, so I can focus on my classes.”
Molly L., 2018
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Family & Human Development
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
"I was on a dedicated track through college. My dreams became real through the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program."
The ASU Nina Scholars application is for students who will enroll at Arizona State University in the fall. The application deadline is March 1st.
Benefits
- Up to six-year need-based financial award for undergraduate program
- Nina Scholars staff provide guided support and individual mentorship
- Office and study space for scholars
- Nina course for new cohorts
- Participation in Nina Scholars exclusive student success workshops and social events
- Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions staff support
- Establish a sense of community with Nina peers
Please carefully read through these requirements before you apply to make sure that you are eligible.
Available to individuals meeting at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Adults who have (a) dependent(s) in their household
- Adults with a physical disability
- Adults, ages 18 – 25, who have experienced foster care or been disconnected from their parents or primary caregiver and are responsible for their own financial support
Applicants must also meet all of the following requirements:
- Must have applied to ASU for admission (at Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe, or West) for full-time enrollment before applying for this scholarship
- Be a U.S. citizen and resident of Arizona
- Be working toward your first college degree
- Have previously completed no more than 24 college-level, degree-applicable credits (e.g. entering or current freshman; NOT upper division students)
- Demonstrate financial need, as determined by FAFSA
- Must have applied to ASU for admission as an on-campus student (ASU Online applicants are not permitted) before applying for this scholarship
- Ensure that you filed the FAFSA with ASU Financial Aid Office by the priority date of January 15th
- Apply online to the Nina Scholars program from the the ASU Scholarship website by March 1st
- Letter of Recommendation Requests: Includes submitting email requests for 2 – 4 online applicant recommendation letters from faculty/instructor who can assess the student's academic performance
- *Apply early; give recommenders enough notice to submit recommendations
- Additional Documentation Section: Includes submission of documentation/proof of qualifying criteria
- *See below for eligibility definitions & recommended documentation
- *Please do not upload resumes
- Digital Official Academic Transcript: Includes official or unofficial transcripts as clear PDF files
- *No screenshots allowed
- *No screenshots allowed
- Supplemental Essay Section: Includes submission of a scholarship essay that answers the questions listed on the application
Note: ALL MATERIALS listed above must be submitted no later than due date listed.
- December 1st: Online applications accepted for regular applicants
- March 1st: Complete Nina application, as listed above, is due (applications submitted after will not be reviewed)
- Early April: Selection Committee will meet to choose candidates for an interview. Candidates will be contacted in order to arrange a specific time and date for the interview.
- Mid April: Candidates will interview with Selection Committee
- May: Candidates selected for the scholarship will be notified
| Criteria & Definition | Documentation recommendations |
|---|---|
| Independent Youth, Youth in Foster Care, or Youth Disconnected from Parents/Guardians • 18-25 years old, and • Experienced the child welfare system, or • Financially responsible for themselves |
Letter from the State of Arizona indicating assignment into the state child welfare system and/or separation from parents/guardians Letter from school identifying youth as independent from parents or guardians |
| Physical Disability • Limits or impairs a person's physical ability on campus • Creates a special challenge for classroom instruction • Substantially limit major life activities |
Medical document indicating physical disability type |
| Adults with Dependents • Have dependents in their family units • May include relatives who live with the applicant • Financially dependent relationship |
IRS 1040 copy Document listing dependent relationships |
Passport Scholar Applicants
Passport scholar applicants are Nina Scholars currently enrolled within the Maricopa County Community College District. Requirements and timeline for the ASU Nina Scholars Passport application differs. Contact the Maricopa Nina Scholars program for more information on how to apply as a Passport applicant.