2025-2025 Annual Report Now Online!

As we begin another year, we’re reminded that every success story starts with someone who believes in a student’s potential. Thank you for helping make that possible!
Click the button to read the 2025-2026 Annual Report.
2025-2026 Annual Report

Introducing Guardian Givers

Because of your commitment, we’re excited to introduce a new way to recognize and celebrate those who faithfully support our mission throughout the year.

Many of you already support College Bound AZ through monthly giving, and quite simply, we couldn’t do this work without you.

We are truly grateful for your generosity and the difference you make in the lives of our students.
We are excited to introduce Guardian Givers-our new monthly giving community for individuals and organizations who are committed to helping Arizona students reach their full potential.

As we are launching this new initiative, we are welcoming our first 100 Founding Members. These supporters will always be recognized as the people who helped build Guardian Givers from the very beginning.

If becoming one of the Founding Members of Guardian Givers sounds like something you’d be interested in, we’d be honored to have you join us today. We’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Give Your Old Tech a New Purpose

Get rid of your electronic waste (E-Waste) for free through College Bound AZ.

If you have old electronics collecting dust and aren’t sure what to do with them, consider donating them to College Bound AZ. Instead of ending up in a landfill, your unwanted technology can help support our mission while giving those materials a second life.

We gladly accept items such as laptops, desktop computers, tablets, cell phones, printers, cables, and other electronic devices. Donations can be dropped off at our office, or we’re happy to arrange a pickup if that’s easier.

If you’d like to learn more about the program, including accepted items and how to donate, we invite you to visit our E-Waste Program webpage.

Thank you for helping us make a difference in more ways than one.

The Journey Doesn’t End at Graduation

Eduardo Vidal, 2012 RISE Scholars Alumnus, Gifts Next Gen RISE Scholars.

The impact of your generosity doesn’t stop when a student earns a diploma – it continues for years to come.

Years ago, Eduardo Vidal participated in RISE Scholars, discovering the support and direction he needed to pursue his dreams. Today, he’s a successful private pilot and has come full circle by creating the Wings of Opportunity Scholarship, helping another College Bound student follow her own path.

This fall, Alexis will become the very first recipient of Eduardo’s scholarship. She shares, “During the fall semester, I will be completing my Commercial Pilot Certificate and beginning my Multi-Engine training. This award is helping me continue moving forward toward my goal of becoming a professional pilot,” said Alexis. 

Thank you, Eduardo, for showing how generosity takes flight.

Where are They Now?

Elliott Aw continues his journey at Arizona State University and recently began as a Film Deposition Technical intern with Intel, taking another exciting step toward the career he’s working so hard to achieve.

To help him prepare for this opportunity, College Bound AZ recently surprised Elliott by fitting him for his very first suit and arranging a professional headshot. After saying “thank you” for the hundredth time, Elliott said, “I am so incredibly grateful for the professional suit and photo!”

The confidence that comes from looking and feeling interview-ready is something every student deserves.
Elliott is walking into this new chapter ready to make a great first impression.

Every student’s journey is unique, but they all have one thing in common: they’re possible because of donors like you. Thank you for believing in Arizona students and investing in futures that continue to change lives long after graduation.

Welcome, Breanna Lederer, Director of Operations!

Breanna Lederer has joined College Bound AZ full time to lead the RISE Scholars high school program and to work with the incoming RISE Scholars Class of 2027.

A new school year has begun at the East Valley Institute of Technology, and with a record enrollment of nearly 7,000 students, we’re excited to welcome our newest class of RISE Scholars.

Breanna joins us from the Westwood High School faculty where she taught Geometry for seven years. “I’m really looking forward to working one-on-one with seniors on their steps to college and career”, said Breanna.

Every year, students walk through our doors with big dreams and they’re met with guidance, mentorship, college planning, scholarships, and the resources they need to take the next step toward higher education.

Because of your generosity, last year’s RISE Scholars achieved incredible milestones:

  • 243 students enrolled in college or trade school.
  • More than $8 million in financial aid and scholarships earned.
  • 29 college-ready laptops placed into students’ hands.

Boots, Bling & Brighter Futures

Join us on October 30 for Boots & Bling, College Bound AZ’s annual gala—an evening of celebration, community, and life-changing impact. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and auction bid helps provide scholarships and essential support that open doors for students pursuing college and career success.

Reserve Your Seat Today

Dust off your boots, add a little bling, and spend an unforgettable evening with fellow champions of education. You’ll enjoy inspiring student stories, exciting auctions, dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to celebrate the incredible difference you’re making in the lives of Arizona’s future leaders.

This year’s gala will be especially meaningful as we celebrate Founder Liz’s retirement and her symbolic “passing the torch” to the next chapter of College Bound AZ’s mission. 

Reserve your tickets or become a sponsor today.
Every seat at the table helps create another opportunity for a student to succeed.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on October 30th at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel for an evening that’s as meaningful as it is memorable. Get Tickets & Event Information

Thank You

Because of you, students are discovering their potential, pursuing higher education, and building brighter futures. From welcoming a new class of RISE Scholars to celebrating alumni who are giving back, every success story in this newsletter began with someone who believed in a student’s dream.