University license plates raising big bucks for scholarships in Arizona
Sep 7, 2016, 4:28 PM
(AP Photo/Mike Groll)
(AP Photo/Mike Groll)
PHOENIX — Alumni from universities around Arizona are raising big bucks for scholarships simply by showing their school spirit.
Specialty license plates featuring University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University raised roughly $750,000 for scholarships this fiscal year that ended June 30, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Drivers purchased or renewed about 44,000 of these plates during that time. Vehicle owners pay $25 annually to put some school pride on their back bumper, with $17 of that amount going to sponsoring charities and nonprofits.
University of Arizona led the three schools with nearly 24,000 specialty plates on the road this year. Melinda Burke, UA Alumni Association president, said the plates are an effective way to show some Wildcat pride.
“Coupled with that, the purchase of an ‘A’ plate provides scholarship monies for UA students who are Arizona residents, so it is a feel-good way to support the university,” Burke said in a press release.
ASU has also used the money received from license plates to support in-state students, specifically funding Medallion Scholarships for top high school seniors in Arizona.
Although currently without a specialty plate, Grand Canyon University alumni may soon get a chance to show off their school spirit as well. Earlier this year, the Arizona State Legislature authorized the creation a new plate for the Antelopes.
Those looking to purchase any of the three universities’ plates can find them by visiting ServiceArizona.com.
