State of Arizona JRJ application

The program aims to incentivize prosecutors and public defenders to enter or remain in public service by reducing the burden of educational debt. It seeks to provide substantial, meaningful awards to successful applicants while maximizing the number of awards available. The program will adhere to statutory requirements by making awards based on an applicant’s ability to pay, while also balancing geographic and demographic diversity. Additionally, it will ensure equal allocation of funds between prosecutor and public defender groups, with an effort to provide equal awards to individuals within both groups.

The strategy involves partnering with Arizona criminal justice associations and agencies to conduct a broad outreach campaign, ensuring eligible applicants are aware of the grant and the application process. A fair and transparent method will be used to calculate an applicant’s “ability to pay.” The state will be divided into geographic sectors representing various population densities. Data will be collected, and surveys will be conducted to meet reporting requirements.