N.C. Solar Utility Unleashes $10K Scholarship Boost for Maricopa’s Future

The Central Arizona College Foundation has announced a significant $10,000 donation from Cypress Creek Renewables, a Durham, North Carolina-based solar company, to support its Pinal Promise program.

Stacy Gramazio, the director of external affairs for Cypress Creek, emphasized the commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Pinal County. “We are delighted to provide this donation to the Pinal Promise program so that they can continue their good work providing scholarships to Pinal County students,” Gramazio stated. She praised the foundation’s mission, which has been operational since 2001, allowing young residents to pursue higher education.

According to Angela Askey, a representative for CAC, Gramazio’s connection to the college runs deep. She currently serves as president of the CAC Foundation Board and has actively supported the Pinal Promise program in various capacities. This relationship underscores the shared goal of fostering educational growth in the region.

Gramazio highlighted the positive impact Pinal Promise has had on local students, affirming that the donation would significantly benefit the community. Cypress Creek believes in being a good neighbor, as demonstrated by its robust history of supporting education, specifically in STEM fields and workforce development.

Craig Kurtz, executive director of the CAC Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “The CAC Foundation is grateful for this wonderful relationship with Cypress Creek. This will help assist in our funding efforts for the graduating seniors of Pinal County high schools, enabling them to enroll at any of our Central Arizona College campuses with their first two years of tuition covered.”

With Maricopa being the most populated city in Pinal County and home to one of the five CAC campuses, Askey believes the new funding will significantly impact students in that community. “The support received for Pinal Promise from Cypress Creek Renewables will benefit high school students throughout Pinal County, including those attending schools in the Maricopa community,” she added.

Cypress Creek serves customers across 24 states, including a dedicated focus on Pinal County. Earlier this year, Andrew Rodriguez from the Eloy Chamber of Commerce praised the company as “good neighbors” after its $25,000 donation to assist individuals with disabilities in Casa Grande.

The CAC Foundation has been supporting Central Arizona College, a two-year institution, since 1968, with a focus on providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education.