PHOENIX – Feb. 28, 2024 – Barro’s Pizza, local, family-owned and operated pizzeria, awarded $10,000 today to ASU senior, Ella Keinanen as the 2023 Barro’s Dr Pepper® Tuition Giveaway winner. The prize money was available to one local Arizona resident to help pay for college tuition or any related educational expenses.

Keinanen is in her final semester at Arizona State University, graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations, with an emphasis on Social Policy and a minor in Political Science. Her year studying abroad in Amsterdam sparked a deep interest in Dutch Social Policy, inspiring her decision to relocate there post-graduation to pursue a Master’s degree in International Social Policy/Public Administration. The $10,000 she won will be instrumental in paying off her student loans, enabling her to complete her undergraduate degree with minimal debt and embark on her Master’s journey.

“I grew up with Barros, they’re one of my favorite pizza joints,” said Ella Keinanen. “I’m so grateful to them for honoring me as a winner for the 2023 scholarship competition, allowing me to continue pursuing my academic career.”
With 49 restaurants throughout Arizona and more than 40 years in business, the Barro family prides itself on finding ways to support and improve the communities they serve. “This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to helping shape young minds,” said Mike Barro, one of the owners of Barro’s Pizza. “We are honored each year to partner with Dr Pepper® to gift $10,000 to a deserving student to help alleviate the financial burdens of education, allowing them to focus on their studies and aspirations without the weight of school expenses. Helping others in our community is at the foundation of who we are as a family and as a company.”

The Barro’s Dr Pepper® Tuition Giveaway has awarded $115,000 to students in Arizona since 2012. Submissions were open to all Arizona residents 17 years or older who attend or will attend an Eligible Institution (as defined within the official rules of the promotion), and a winner was chosen at random from the over 9,000 text-to-win entries. The winner can use the money to pay for current Eligible Costs (as defined within the official rules of the promotion) such as tuition, and books, or to pay off outstanding student loans.

About Barro’s Pizza

Barro’s Pizza is a family-owned and operated pizza restaurant with 49 locations in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal Counties. The Barro’s Pizza recipe comes from Grandma Angelina Barro who came from Italy in the 1930s, making a pizza unlike any other. People may disagree on whether it’s the thick crust with its light, flakey texture, or the tangy and sweet spiced sauce that is the secret of this great tasting pizza. Barro’s Pizza also offers wings, salads, sandwiches, pastas, gluten-free pizza options, dessert, beer and wine. For more information, visit www.barrospizza.com, @barrospizza on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Dr Pepper®

Dr Pepper​​®, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (KDP), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free, Cherry, Zero Sugar, Cream Soda, and Strawberries & Cream varieties. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com. For the brand’s latest news and updates, follow @drpepper on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Keurig Dr Pepper

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue of more than $14 billion and approximately 28,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in liquid refreshment beverages, including soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig®, Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Clamato®, CORE®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters®, Mott’s®, Snapple®, and The Original Donut Shop®. Through its powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver its portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers. The Company’s Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform is focused on the greatest opportunities for impact in the environment, its supply chain, the health and well-being of consumers and with its people and communities. For more information, visit www.keurigdrpepper.com.