August 2025 Newsletter
A Letter of Thanks
College student and 2024 RISE Scholars Dallas Ross sent a letter and photos to share her progress at Xavier University with Matt Watson State Farm and his wife Bree. In 2024 Dallas Ross was a Matt Watson State Farm Community Service Scholarship recipient.
Hello Mr. Watson!
I am writing to thank you again for your support during my first year at Xavier University of Louisiana*. As a Public Health Science major with a minor in Chemistry, I’ve been navigating a challenging yet incredibly rewarding academic journey. I’m proud to say that I have a 3.3 GPA. I am trying to improve, especially in my courses like chemistry. Despite the difficulty, I committed myself to office hours and tutoring multiple times a week to better understand the material and grow as a student.
Outside of the classroom, I have tried to immerse myself in Xavier campus life. I served as a Behr Health System intern, where I focused on app advertising and platform management. I was also actively involved in several organizations including Women of Xavier, National Society of Black Women in Medicine, the Pre-Dental Club, Mobilization at Xavier a volunteer organization, and the Xavier Activities Board. These groups have allowed me to connect with people and get comfortable in the surrounding area of New Orleans.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take on new leadership roles next year. I will be serving as the Co-Treasurer of the Pre-Dental Club, a Logistics Intern for the Xavier Activities Board, and a Resident Assistant in the newly renovated Living Learning Center. I’m especially looking forward to creating a warm and welcoming community for my residents.
Your generous scholarship has made a significant difference in my life. It eased the financial pressures associated with college and allowed me to devote more time to the activities and communities I care deeply about. I am incredibly grateful for your investment in my education and my future.
Thank you so much again!
Warm regards,
Dallas Ross
*Xavier University of Louisiana is one of the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States.
Hoops for Hope Gala October 18, 2025!
Joining the celebration is world-renowned hoop dancer Sky Duncan to share the intricate hoop dance of the southwest and dances from the Dakota and Lakota Nations.
Each attendee also receives a gift to take home as a remembrance of a very special evening during which we raise funds through Silent and Live Auctions. All donations directly support laptops and tuition-assistance scholarships for our 2026 RISE Scholars. Please join us at Hoops for Hope to ignite the journey of this year’s deserving, underrepresented youth.
The 2026 RISE Scholars Are on Deck!
Our mission at College Bound AZ is to connect underrepresented students with the resources and support they need to achieve their dream of a college education.
We empower youth who are first-generation , low-income, or from marginalized communities through mentoring, college readiness presentations, laptops, and tuition-assistance scholarships.
The students we serve are bright, determined, and resilient—but they face significant barriers to higher education. Through the generosity of supporters like you, we have helped Arizona students earn college degrees, break the cycle of poverty, and become leaders in our communities.
August begins our intense advising and mentoring with seniors who have a dream that requires furthering their education for a career in health, engineering, computer science, finance or other demanding field. Volunteer to share your expertise. Our sessions are 9:30-10:30 am and 1:30-2:30 pm. After February 1 is best as the months prior are filled with meeting deadlines for college applications and financial aid submissions. Reach us at [email protected].
Fueling Minds with Heart – Get Recognized
This year when you donate at least $25 to the food pantry through cash donation or food items, we’ll display your name or business name with a heart on our Hero Hub wall that shows you are a Difference Maker. We can pick up! Let us know at [email protected]
The food pantry is open for business in our new location, Room 15-2002. It will be heavily visited by RISE Scholars and others for a nutritious pick-me-up for students on the go. What non-perishable items are these kiddos
THANK YOU!
It’s with your help and support that students who aspire to a better life through education get the resources they need to succeed. Thank you so very very much!
