Dysart Partners with Ottawa University for Employee Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/13/2021

Dysart Unified School District employees are now eligible for a scholarship in partnership with Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ).  The Dysart Employee Scholarship will reduce tuition to $250 per credit hour for any undergraduate courses offered in person at the Surprise location or online. 

To be eligible, individuals must maintain their employment with Dysart Unified School District throughout their enrollment at OUAZ and for one year post graduation. Additional benefits to the scholarship recipients include the opportunity to earn stipends based on the employee’s work attendance, which range from $500 for employees with six or less absences, to $1,500 for perfect attendance. After graduation, scholarship recipients that maintain employment with Dysart over a three-year period will receive a $3,000 stipend. These stipends will be available and provided by Dysart Unified School District based on funding availability.

“Dysart and Ottawa’s primary purpose is educating our community. It is perfectly appropriate to cooperatively offer scholarships to advance employees' education. This is an exciting and valuable partnership, and it is an honor to work with Ottawa University Arizona,” said Dr. Quinn Kellis, Dysart Schools Superintendent.  

As neighbors in the Surprise community, Dysart and Ottawa partnered previously, with Dysart providing access to athletic fields and classroom laboratory space while Ottawa facilities were still being constructed. The Dysart Employee Scholarship program supports a long term and impactful partnership.

“We value education, and believe this is a great opportunity to provide education to those people who, for whatever reason in their lifetime, didn’t have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree. We’re delighted to provide this opportunity,” said Dr. Dennis Tyner, Ottawa University Arizona President.

The Dysart Unified School District employs nearly 3,000 staff members at 26 schools and two support facilities. Positions range from teachers, to office workers, bus drivers and maintenance staff. All current Dysart job openings may be viewed at Dysart.org/Careers.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.