History

ARCS Foundation is a national nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1958 in Los Angeles and is composed of dedicated members who volunteer their services. Currently, there are 15 ARCS Foundation chapters nationwide, with 1,294 volunteer members. Since 1958 our Chapters have awarded more than $136 million scholar awards to the best and brightest United States citizen scholars in basic science, engineering and medical research.

Organization of the ARCS Foundation Phoenix Chapter began on a beautiful Phoenix afternoon when five intelligent, forward-thinking ladies from California came to tea to tell us about ARCS Foundation.  We welcomed Ann Miller, Florence Wellborn, Betty Williams, Virginia Ramo and Rosemary Herd. The concept was received with great enthusiasm, and we were chartered in 1975 with 18 founding members. 

Following the mantra of Ann Miller, “Make it fun!”, our first fundraising endeavor was our “Glamorous Garage Sale.” It WAS fun.  Our success was financial, but it also included a lot of fun, hard work, and beautiful bonding experiences. Today our chapter still enjoys the friendship, dedication, and success that were the foundation of our early years.

ARCS Foundation Phoenix, currently with 76 dues-paying members, has awarded $8,993,900 in scholar award funds from 1977 - 2025 to 1,337 scholars. Recipient universities must be approved by the National Board of ARCS Foundation. In Arizona these include our three major state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and The University of Arizona. The universities are required to administer the scholar award program.

Our Phoenix Chapter provides a way in which the business, education, civic and social members of our community may combine their interests and efforts to achieve a strong contribution to our future and to America’s youth through the advancement of scientific education.

ARCS Foundation Phoenix Founders