Scholarships are awarded at each level of competition. The amounts of the awards will vary by pageant. Scholarships are for education-related expenses and are paid directly to the school or reimbursed to the contestant upon submission of paid receipts.
To compete, a young woman must:
- Be between 17 and 24 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be a resident of Arizona for at least six months.
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be a full-time student, employed full-time, or a part-time student while working part-time.
- Meet residency requirements for competing in a certain town and state.
- Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America Organization.
- Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements.
- Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which she competes.
There are no entry fees. Pageants try to keep contestant costs minimal; contestants are encouraged to wear wardrobe outfits they already have. Local directors can discuss details and what they might be able to provide or borrow.
A young woman may compete in local and state competitions more than once, as long as she meets the age and other requirements; however, she can compete for the Miss America title only once.
