Since 1993 the Ajo District has awarded annual scholarships to deserving Ajo High School graduates who are planning a career in the public safety field. The scholarship is funded by donations from former and current members of the district.

The $500 scholarship is paid in two installments during the school year. Seniors applying for the scholarship write an essay describing their anticipated career path and how their career will benefit the public. A committee comprised of members from Patrol, Communications, Corrections, and SAV review the essays. Additionally, the committee reviews how the seniors have conducted themselves in the community and in school, looking at such criteria as: not getting into trouble, being a positive role model to all students in the Ajo area, the senior’s extra-curricular activities, and verifying the senior has the required minimum 2.75 grade point average.

Since the inception of the scholarship in 1993, more than 10 students have received a scholarship, totaling more than $5,000. Many of these students have gone on to work as law enforcement officers and in other public service fields. Two students are currently attending the University of Arizona to work in the medical field; one is studying to be a physical therapist and the other wants to be a cardiologist. Past recipients have become a nurse, communications specialist, teacher, pilot, inspector with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and one has returned to Ajo to live and raise his family while working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The District employees are proud of these young people and feel that the financial assistance and public support for them is a sound investment in the future. New members to the District have also supported this cause by donating to the fund. They too believe in helping to provide for the community they serve and in giving “a little bit back” to the town in which they live and work.