Education Forward Arizona

Education Forward Arizona was created to change the way people think about and support education as the key driver to improving the economy and quality of life in Arizona. The organization's work includes providing scholarships and innovative programs to students and advocating for policies and funding that move the Achieve60AZ postsecondary attainment goal and other Arizona Education Progress Meter goals forward.

At Education Forward Arizona, we believe every student should have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code. Your donation is instrumental in supporting our efforts to expand equity and access to postsecondary education. These efforts include:

• Innovative Scholarship Programs: Our dedicated Success Advisers support scholarship recipients in navigating the college system for a seamless transition into their career.

• Direct Student Support: Through initiatives like AdviseAZ and College Knowing & Going, we offer 1:1 support to students in low-income high schools and community sites, creating a college-going culture across Arizona.

• FAFSA Completion and Awareness: The AskBenji chatbot plays a pivotal role in helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), making postsecondary education more accessible.

• Empowering Counselors: The Arizona College Access Network (AzCAN) equips school counselors and college access professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to guide students toward their academic goals.

• Statewide Advocacy: From dual enrollment programs to scholarship funding, we champion efforts that ensure Arizonans of all backgrounds are setup for success through every stage of their educational journey.

Arizona has Everything to Gain when we empower students to pursue education and training after high school.  Are you with us?

Testimonials

"Personally, education after high school has been something that has not only increased my awareness of the world, but also awareness of myself. As an immigrant and first-generation student, I knew I desired an education, but often feared I would lack the resources to get there. There are still days where I walk to my dorm, or I'm taking notes in class and cannot believe this is my life. A life of education, a community, and a stronger sense of self."
- Odalis Lopez Villegas, Education Forward Arizona Scholar

"Education after high school has changed my life in the sense that it has helped me understand how academics and life experiences are both forms of integrative learning to leverage in life. It has helped remove the curtains of what is possible in life and I am both grateful and blessed to have been able to receive higher ED, a network of amazing leaders, and tools to use my education to serve communities in which I belong and more."
- Ezequias "Zeke" Fuentes, Education Forward Arizona Scholar

"Education after high school has changed my life because it has continually left me curious about the world and how it functions. Learning more and more about what I am curious about, in the business perspective has led me to become more creative and motivated in life."
- Twyla Begaye, Education Forward Arizona Scholar

"After graduating college, I was hired at a hospital working in clinical research before I moved over to the industry side. My current life is vastly different than my parents. Not only is my job secure and my benefits are great, but I am also able to provide support to my parents now. That 4-year degree not only made my life better but also for my family."
-Thao Phan, Education Forward Arizona Alumni and ASU Graduate

"My entire childhood I was told that I would become a doctor, engineer, or lawyer. As I got older and life began, I was then told I would not be able to become that doctor, engineer, or lawyer. But I knew in my heart that I was a very strong and intelligent woman, that even if life was not a linear path, I was going to be successful. I took advantage of the resources and tools provided to me and was able to receive multiple scholarships. Every scholarship received gave me the confidence that I am powerful, and I can achieve my dream. Now, I stand with my bachelor's degree as an Aerospace Engineer from ASU as the first generation to attend college as a young teen mom to tell you that education is very powerful! It gave me the confidence I needed to prove what I can accomplish and serve as a role model to my own family and others."
- Aleida Perez , Education Forward Arizona Alumni and ASU Graduate