Building Pathways to Opportunity

Celebrate student momentum alongside Arizona’s activities that honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. 

February marks Arizona statehood—and as we look toward America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, College Bound AZ is focused on what opportunity looks like now. How do we ensure today’s students can fully participate in the American story?

Our 2026 Semiquencentennial Pledge to ensure student momentum:

  • Transition 250 disadvantaged youth to college 
  • Award 25 college-ready laptops for student success 
  • Pilot Career Bound AZ with 25 disadvantaged youth.
  • Launch a $2,500 Semiquencentennial Scholarship for an outstanding RISE Scholar or RISE Scholars alumnae.

Be a part of history with your education legacy.

 Donate to this scholarship to be a one-of-a-kind Semiquencentennial Scholarship sponsor!

Student of the Month – What Opportunity in Action Looks Like

Two health sciences students, Kate Kauffman (AM) and Mario Torres (PM), are being recognized by their EVIT teachers for their outstanding performance.

Nursing Assistant instructor Natalia Raymond describes Kate Kauffman as a student who is “always on time, in class, and strives to do well on her assignments and exams. She is friendly and respectful in class.”

Lara McKinley, Medical Assistant Instructor had this to say about student Mario Torres:”Mario is the Class President for the PM, and in my 16 years of teaching at EVIT, I have never had a student who is so helpful to everyone he meets. He is going to do big things. I am lucky to share a little piece of his life. This student deserves to be recognized for always going above and beyond. He is an absolute pleasure to have in class.”

These students will receive a Certificate of Achievement, a letter from College Bound AZ, and a $50 cash award for their remarkable performance. Well done, and well deserved!

Where Are They Now – Alumnae Spotlight
Alie Njoroge, EVIT Adult Nursing Program

Aleen (Alie) Njoroge was ready to graduate from the EVIT Nursing program in 2025. Her Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) hit a snag, but she got help from College Bound AZ to sort it out. Now she is our first alumna to tackle the EVIT Adult Nursing Program.

EVIT began offering Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing degrees in August 2024. Alie discovered her federal aid through the FAFSA paid nearly all her tuition for the nursing program.. Attending EVIT’s Registered Nursing program allows Alie to skip the wait time of other nursing programs. It also streamlines the completion process by being a five-semester accelerated program.

“College Bound AZ gave me so much help when I really needed it,” said Alie. “The classes I’m taking now are pretty intense, but I’m doing OK with the background I have from my EVIT Nursing program.”

“I was so surprised when Alie popped into our office last fall,” said Liz Paulus, Founder and Transition Advisor for College Bound AZ. “It’s pretty exciting to see her go from high school to college, all while staying at EVIT. What’s even better is that she will go straight to the workforce in the high-demand field of nursing. That’s really what it’s all about,” said Paulus.

RISE Scholars February Workshop: Expanding Horizons and Career Readiness

Two guest speakers, one on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and one on medical credentialing, help students envision their pathways beyond high school.

College Bound AZ prepares students not just to get into college—but to choose pathways that align with their goals, values, and long-term careers. In this spirit, we will feature two guest speakers in February:

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Students will learn the significance of attending an HBCU from an alumnus.
  • Medical credentialing. Upon college graduation, medical credentialing ensures practicians meet quality standards for patient care. This additional step can take several months to complete.

Career Bound AZ: A Pipeline Built for Persistence

NEW! Career Bound AZ is an initiative to focus on education completion and career placement for the 68% of RISE Scholars who plan to attend community college. 

In 2026 we’ll expand on a pilot involving just a few students who are experiencing a structured, supported pipeline from high school, through community college credential attainment, and on to career placement. The collaboration involves College Bound AZ’s proven student support model for college access, Maricopa County Community College (MCCCD) college and credential programs, and Arizona Career Pathways (ACP’s) statewide pathway framework.

RISE Scholars who opt in to the initiative receive

  • Monthly check-ins with an AZ Career Pathways Navigator
  • Up to $1,500 per student for critical supports

Why it matters:

  • Many students don’t fail because of academics—they stall because of life barriers.
  • This expanded pilot ensures students don’t walk alone after high school graduation.

Working together, College Bound AZ and AZ Career Pathways can ensure a focus on community college completion and career placement.

With Gratitude

As always, we thank the educators, volunteers, families, and donors who continue to walk alongside our students. Your belief, encouragement, and generosity make this work possible.