Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship

Charles “Punch” Woods

Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona is proud to offer the Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship in honor of our dear friend and long-time Board Member, Charles Taylor “Punch” Woods.

Punch moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1977 and dedicated his life to serving the community. He led the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona as Executive Director for 25 years before retiring in 1993. A passionate advocate for justice and education, Punch was instrumental in raising public awareness about the death penalty and played a key role in the founding of Death Penalty Alternatives for

The Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship honors Punch’s lifelong dedication to education, justice, and community engagement. It supports students who are eager to explore the complex realities of the death penalty and who are committed to sharing their learning with others. Through research, creative expression, or public presentations, scholarship recipients will contribute to a more informed and compassionate conversation about the death penalty in Arizona and beyond.

Each year, up to $500 will be awarded to one or more students to support projects that deepen public understanding of the death penalty. Recipients are expected to share the results of their work with the community, helping to foster thoughtful, informed dialogue around this critical issue.

Below is a step-by-step guide for how to apply for the Punch Woods Memorial Scholarship.

• Draft a letter with the following requirements:

  • A brief introduction of yourself including background information about your current grade level, education, and why you're interested in studying the death penalty.

  • Present a proposal outlining the specific issue related to the death penalty that your are interested in studying. Explain why this issue is significant and how you plan to address it through your educational inquiry.

  • Describe how you intend to share the results of your educational inquiry. Specify the medium you will use (e.g., video, art, PowerPoint, blog post) and how you plan to share this information. Be sure to identify your audience.

  • Be sure to include the amount of scholarship funds you request and what they will be utilized for. Some examples might include materials, equipment, tuition, workshop fees, travel expenses, or technology costs.

Before submitting your application, carefully review your letter to ensure it is clear and concise. Be sure to review the scholarship application requirements in full. Submit your letter by clicking the button below.

Scholarship Requirements