Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship

The requirement for applying for the scholarship includes drafting a letter that should include the following information:

  • An overview of the applicant’s background, including grade level, educational background, and personal experience that made the applicant interested in studying the death penalty;

  • A proposal detailing the issue related to the death penalty that the applicant wishes to study;

  • The manner by which the applicant intends to share the results of this educational inquiry, including the medium that will be used to share the information (video, art, PowerPoint, letter to the editor, blog post, video conference, etc.), when the information will be shared, and the targeted audience.

  • An explanation of the amount of scholarship funds requested ($500 maximum). Your project may need $50 or it may need the full $500. Explain why the scholarship funds will be helpful to the applicant in carrying out this course of study and the corresponding presentation. (Examples could include, the cost of materials, equipment, tuition, workshop fees, travel expenses, cost of technology, etc.)

    Applications must be sent to DPPA Board President, Kevin Heade.
    Click below to submit your application.

    Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and granted based on application review. 

Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona has established the Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship to honor the legacy of our friend and long-time Board Member, Charles Taylor “Punch” Woods.

Punch moved to Tucson, AZ in 1977. In 1993, he retired after 25 years of service as the Executive Director of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Punch played a major role in efforts to educate the public about the death penalty in Arizona. His leadership was integral to the formation of Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona.

The Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship is open to students of all ages, including grade school students and graduate students. Up to $500 will be awarded to students who establish an interest in learning about the death penalty and commit to presenting the results of their educational inquiry to other members of the public.