Every April is World Autism Month
The Results are In – Thank You for Your Support!
In 2024 we were able to offer three scholarships to help deserving youth with the cost of college. As many as 100 RISE Scholars each year receive the maximum education grant the federal government offers, a group that needs additional resources to achieve college success. Thanks to our generous donors, we’ve added four more scholarships! More students than ever get a hand up.
Together we are ending poverty in the lives of students. Thank you to:
- O’Lectric, LLC – for funding the Disability Scholarship, now part of our autism-friendly Bright Paths program that reflects college as a viable option for students with autism.
- Mesa West Rotary – for a scholarship benefiting Westwood High School grads
- Sun State Builders – for funding the STEM Scholarship and others
- An anonymous donor for establishing the Henry Lee Shattuck Scholarship for civic-mindedness.
You can still give to College Bound AZ and earn a tax credit for your 2024 taxes!
RISE Scholars Student of the Month
Congratulations to Veterinarian Assistant student Chantra Nop who was selected by her teacher Ms. Tomory. “Chantra is an excellent student and a mentor to the others,” said Ms. Tomory. Chantra plans to attend Arizona State University to major in biology. To recognize her accomplishment, Chantra receives a letter and Certificate of Achievement, as well as a $50 award.
Well done, Chantra!
Season of Sharing Grant Award
We’re delighted to announce that Season of Sharing awarded a grant to College Bound AZ. The Arizona Republic and arizonacentral.com have organized an annual giving campaign to benefit local charities for 31 years. “This is a tremendous boost for us,” said Executive Director Liz Paulus. “This grant will help us continue to provide laptops for students going to college,” she continued. The grant funds will also be used to keep the Food pantry stocked.
On average, 25 students per day visit the food pantry to pick up nutritious snacks on their way to and from classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology, where the College Bound AZ office is located. Thank you, Arizona, for your amazing hearts and generosity!
This Month in RISE Scholars
The topic is updating resumes. Students are looking forward to their graduation, but now is the time to prepare for what’s next. We will update resumes to reflect high school completion so students can apply for jobs at college once they get on campus. It’s also a time to reformat resumes for a more professional look. The mega job board Indeed offers a free instant resume scan that will give feedback on content and format. It’s best to have a Google account for this AI assistant.
Where Are They Now?
Grand Canyon University freshman Diana Ibarra recently stopped in to touch base with the RISE Scholars office. “College Bound AZ was tremendously helpful to me by providing resources and support for scholarships and college applications, especially given that I’m a First-Generation college student trying to complete these steps alone. The RISE Scholars program reduced my stress of going to college. For example, I received help in applying for financial aid, and now I’m in college majoring in Health Care Administration. I definitely recommend for those who want to go to college to check out this program. You’ll be glad you did!” Diana, thank you for stopping in and staying in touch. You’ve got this!
Welcome Our Newest Board Member
Jan Schiller, Chief Project Officer, Berkshire Consulting has just joined the College Bound AZ Board of Directors. Jan’s project management background will be a boon to College Bound AZ’s strategic planning process. “I’ve worked with high school students previously in Wisconsin. I enjoyed helping make a difference at the high school level. College Bound AZ is a perfect fit for me to be able to give back,” said Jan. Jan, it’s truly a testament to your heart. Welcome aboard!
Coming Events
April 12
9th Annual Autism Expo, 9-2 pm, Desert Willow Conference Center. Connect with local service providers and support organizations.
April 16
FAFSA Workshop, 5-7 pm at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E Pecos Road, Chandler, AZ. Presentations are in both Spanish and English.
April 30
Visit Mesa concludes its celebration of being the first Autism Certified City in the United States. College Bound AZ is highlighted in the Travel Inclusivity Program
