Casa Grande Kiwanis is one of more than 8,000 Kiwanis Clubs located in over 90 nations. Our primary focus is improving the lives of children in our community and throughout the world.

The Casa Grande Kiwanis Club is a local organization of volunteers dedicated to changing our community one child at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande gives 4 College Scholarships, Adopt a Family Christmas Gift, since 1952 hosts the Kiwanis Invitational Track Meet, Mile Cleanup in April and October, sponsors Kiwanis Mutt Show to vaccinate dogs, sponsors Casa Grande Elementary School District Spelling Bee, Back-To-School Supplies Project, Boys and Girls Club, Little League Team sponsorship, donates to Casa Grande Union High School and Vista Grande Operation Graduation, sponsors and works with Casa Grande Union High School and Vista Grande High School Key Clubs, Casa Grande Union High School and Vista Grande High School Chain Gang, Key Club Convention, Kiwanis Southwest District Convention,  Kiwanis International Convention, Halloween Carnival, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Fire Department Explorer’s Academy and help other organizations with funding.

Please come and join us every Thursday morning 7 AM at Casa Grande Union High School District Office (Formerly Desert Winds High School Cafeteria) Enter from South Door 1362 N Casa Grande Ave, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 View Map to meeting location

2025 Scholarship Information is now available!

Go to scholarship page

Mission Statement

The Casa Grande Kiwanis Club is a local organization of volunteers dedicated to changing our community one child at a time.
We are dedicated to serving the children of the greater Casa Grande Valley.

The Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande offers scholarships to the youth of Casa Grande for their continuing education. These scholarships are awarded based on students who excel in the classroom and trade skills while outside committed to volunteering and community involvement.

Recipients of a Kiwanis Scholarship are typically achievers, who stand out among their peers. Considering these factors, the Kiwanis Scholarship application process is competitive, and the award distinguishes the recipient. This is consistent with the mission of the Casa Grande Kiwanis Club to support the children of Casa Grande.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 04, 2025.

Download Scholarship Application Here

Applications are to be submitted directly to the school that the student is attending. This is the career counselor or scholarship liaison. In order to be considered for any of the Kiwanis Scholarships (described below) students are

1.  required to complete the application,
2. Provide (2) two letters of recommendation from faculty members of your current school
3. write an essay of 100 characters or less describing your education or training, your goals and any other important information (See Application Section 5),
4. Copy of FAFSA including the SAR & EFC (FAFSA-Fed. Application for Federal Student Aid, SAR Student Aid Report, EFC Expected Family Contribution)
5.  Complete an interview by the Kiwanis Scholarship Committee.

By requiring such a rigorous process, the qualifications of the Kiwanis Scholarship recipient are superb. (Please note that one application packet will be considered for all scholarships, and all scholarships are offered pending available funds.) Kiwanis Scholarships are for the college/trade school academic year following high school graduation.

Recipients have until March 31, 2025 to pick up/request funding.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Don and Myrtle Bernard Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1977 to honor the memory of Don Bernard, an outstanding and dedicated Kiwanis member who was actively involved with many Casa Grande youth projects. Don Bernard was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande, serving all offices including President. Don is the only member of this club to achieve perfect attendance for 20 years. He was active in helping the youth of our community, so it is fitting that this scholarship continues in his name to help the youth of our community today.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from a public, private, or parochial school in the Casa Grande area with plans to attend Central Arizona College as a full-time student in the upcoming fall semester.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1000.00 (Awarded as two separate $500.00 scholarships, $500 per semester for one school year).
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview with a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted
  component to students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Al Van Hazel Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Al Van Hazel, an outstanding and dedicated Kiwanis member and longtime coach in the Casa Grande Union High School District. Al came to Casa Grande in 1948 and coached football, track, and basketball for more than 50 years. Mr. Van Hazel has been recognized by many organizations for his coaching talents and for his generosity to students. As a coach he taught students many lessons about life on and off the field, so it is fitting that this scholarship continues in his name to help the youth of our community today.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from a public, private, or parochial school in the Casa Grande area with plans to attend Central Arizona College as a full-time student in the upcoming fall semester.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1,000 ($500.00 per semester for one school year).
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview with a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted component to students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Robert “Bob “Mitchell Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Bob Mitchell, a dedicated Kiwanian and active member of his community. Bob served as a teacher for 32 years. He also served as mayor of Casa Grande and as Deputy City Magistrate. Bob’s teaching career and his civic commitments had a widespread impact on thousands of students in Casa Grande. This scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance and encourage students to pursue their educational dreams. It is intended for a student who intends to stay in-state for their college degree.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from a public, private, or parochial school in the Casa Grande area with plans to attend any postsecondary educational institution in Arizona as a full-time student in the upcoming fall semester.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1000.00($500.00 per semester for one school year) These funds are distributed directly to the student at the beginning of each semester.
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview with a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted
  component to students with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Jerry Stein Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Jerry Stein, a member of the Casa Grande community and a dedicated and active Kiwanian. Jerry served as a Kiwanis past president and was actively involved in various Casa Grande youth activities. Jerry was proud to serve his community as a pharmacist for over 20 years and was committed to the health and well-being of the Casa Grande community.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from any public, private, or parochial school with plans to attend a post-secondary educational institution
  in the United State in the upcoming fall semester. Applicants will be pursuing studies in the field of pharmacy,
  pharmacy technician, and/or other studies in the medical field.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1000.00 ($500 per semester for one school year). These funds are distributed directly to the student at the beginning of each
  semester.
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, applicant’s chosen field of study (reference “Who may apply”), student
  interview and a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted component to students with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Al Nader Legion of Honor Scholarship
This scholarship is established to honor Al Nader, a member of the Casa Grande Kiwanis Club since 1952, serving as its President in 1985-1986. Al is a World War II veteran, retired educator: teacher, coach, principal and (second-longest tenured) superintendent in the Casa Grande Union High School District. Al was recognized by Kiwanis International, receiving the Legion of Honor for 65 years as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande and his dedication and commitment to serving the children of the community and greater Casa Grande Valley.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from a public, private, or parochial school in the Casa Grande area with plans to attend any postsecondary educational institution in the United States as a full-time student in the upcoming fall semester.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1,000.00 ($500 per semester for one school year). These funds are distributed directly to the student at the beginning of each
  semester.
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview and a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted
  component to students with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Angelina Culberson Technical/Trade/Vocational Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Angelina Culberson, the mother of a Casa Grande Kiwanis Club member. Angelina was an advocate of education, but not just college rack education. She herself did not have an opportunity to attend a university but was a highly skilled individual in a trade that helped support her family. This scholarship is intended for those students who may not be college bound. Instead, these students are pursuing an alternative pathway to their career by attending an educational institution to receive specialized training in a particular job skill. At the end of this training, students will receive a diploma or certification to prepare them for a licensing exam, or an immediate apprenticeship in a trade.

• Who may apply: Students must be currently enrolled and on track to graduate from the Casa Grande Union High School District with plans to
  enroll in a post-secondary technical/trade/vocational program or school.
• Amount of Scholarship: Four separate scholarships of $500.00 each will be paid out to four separate recipients upon proof of enrollment in a
  technical/trade/vocational program or school. Scholarship is awarded based on student application, interview, and financial
  need to students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande
The Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande offers scholarships to the youth of Casa Grande for their continuing education. These scholarships are awarded based on students who excel in the classroom, while outside committed to volunteering and community involvement. Recipients of a Kiwanis Scholarship are typically achievers, who stand out among their peers. Considering these factors, the Kiwanis Scholarship application process is competitive, and the award distinguishes the recipient. This is consistent with the mission of the Casa Grande Kiwanis Club to support the children of Casa Grande.

• Amount of Scholarship:$1,000 ($500.00 per semester for one school year). Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview with a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted
  component to students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande
This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to encourage students to pursue their educational dreams locally. It is intended for a student who has little financial resources and support available to them.

• Who may apply: Seniors graduating from a public, private, or parochial school in the Casa Grande area with plans to attend Central Arizona College as a full-time student in the upcoming fall semester.
• Amount of Scholarship: $1,000 ($500.00 per semester for one school year).
• Criteria: Scholarship is awarded based on the application, interview with a demonstrated financial need being a heavily weighted
  component to students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher

Download Scholarship Application Here

Committee: Club Administration
Description: This committee is responsible for providing the most effective club meeting possible. Areas of focus should include the club meeting program, risk management, reception, fellowship and inter-club relations, as well as other areas the committee may deem pertinent. Responsible for documenting all processes and outcomes.

Top Activities to Accomplish
1.    Interclub visits to all Southwest District Div. 10 clubs.
2.    Schedule one club social event with spouses.
3.    Recognize member milestones at meetings (Birthdays, Anniversaries,…)
4.    Joint activities with other service organizations
5.    Create an atmosphere that will increase member involvement

Committee: Community Service/Projects
Description: This committee will oversee all club projects and service leadership activities. Responsible for documenting all processes and outcomes.

Top Activities to Accomplish
1.    Add a new service project
2.    Document all project processes
3.    Increase member involvement in service projects

Committee: Finance & Fundraising
Description: This group is responsible for preparing a budget of estimated income and expenses for submission to the board of directors, as well as any recommendations it may have on financial matters of the club. Responsible for documenting all processes and outcomes.

Top Activities to Accomplish
1.    Add new fund raising event
2.    Create an atmosphere that will increase member involvement

Committee: Membership Growth & Education
Description: This committee’s main goal is to increase membership. The committee should consider all membership applications and submit its recommendations to the board of directors. The committee also should develop an effective orientation and induction ceremony for new members and promote regular attendance by all members at club meetings. Responsible for documenting all processes and outcomes.

Top Activities to Accomplish
1.    Send letter to all key business leaders with invitation to club meetings
2.    Increase net membership by 10%
3.    Retirement Community Announcement
4.    More involvement with Key Club parents
5.    Create an atmosphere that will increase member involvement

Committee: Public Relations/Advertising
Description: This committee is responsible for helping to ensure that the public receives, through the media and other means, news about events, service projects, fundraisers, goals, programs and achievements of the club. Will maintain website, create and maintain other social media sites. Responsible for documenting all processes and outcomes.

Top Activities to Accomplish
1.    Club meeting announcement in local newspaper
2.    More involvement with Key Club parents
3.    Create an atmosphere that will increase member involvement
4.    Create a fact sheet about club for guest speakers
5.    Social media and website updates