January 2026 – College Bound AZ

CREATE MILES OF SMILES! AZ TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE THROUGH APRIL 15, 2026

Many Arizonans use the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit to support nonprofit organizations delivering essential services in their own communities. This “Give Where You Live” spirit has a powerful impact, helping to expand opportunity and change lives for students and families who need it most.

Under Arizona law, donations made in 2025 to Qualified Charitable Organizations (QCOs), or made between January 1, 2026 and April 15, 2026 may be claimed on a 2025 Arizona income tax return. For the 2025 tax year, the maximum credit is $495 for single, married filing separate, or head of household filers, and $987 for married filing joint filers.

To claim your Arizona tax credit, include your donation receipt (College Bound AZ’s QCO code is 22096) and submit Form 321 with your Arizona state tax return.

SUPER BOWL FOOTBALL SQUARES IS BACK!

As we begin a new year, we’re inviting our community to support College Bound AZ in a way that’s easy, fun, and impactful — Super Bowl Football Squares!

Super Bowl Sunday LX is February 8, 2026. Proceeds support first-generation and low-income students as they persist toward college and career success.

Participating is simple: Choose a specific square and purchase using the link below. Contact College Bound AZ (Text or call Liz Paulus at 62-550-3161) for the square you desire. Or, your square will be randomly selected.

On game day, before the Super Bowl starts, the horizontal and vertical row numbers will be randomly selected. Each quarter’s payout is $1250 using the end-of-the quarter score. In the case of overtime, the end-of-the-game score is used for Q4. One digit from each team’s quarter score, and where they intersect on the board, determines the winner for that quarter.

Winners will be contacted within 24 hours of the Super Bowl’s completion to receive payment by check or ACH. Sit back and cheer for the game, knowing that your support helps students overcome financial and logistical barriers to education. It’s one of our most popular community fundraisers — and a great way to start the year making a difference.

Purchase your $100 College Bound AZ Super Bowl Squares HERE

REFLECTING ON RESILIENCE

January invites reflection more than resolution. As we step into 2026, we’re grateful for the steady ground beneath us — our students, our supporters, and the belief that education opens doors, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

This season also gives us the opportunity to celebrate meaningful milestones.

We are proud to share that two College Bound AZ students earned their bachelor’s degrees in December — an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects perseverance, resilience, and determination.

Abby Nonthe, earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy from ASU. Abby joined College Bound AZ in 2016 at Westwood High School with her twin sister Yudit Nonthe. Abby credits College Bound AZ with instilling in her the persistence to complete college. As she finished her final semester at ASU, she gave birth to her second child before Thanksgiving, another baby girl, while working part-time through the work-study program and taking 21 credits.

Abby Scott Nonthe, ASU Class of 2025, **Public Service and Public Policy**

Sebastian Flores, ASU Class of 2025. Sebastian receives a hand-made graduation stole from his proud grandmother.

Sebastian Flores earned his bachelor’s degree in Technological and Entrepreneurship Management from ASU. Sebastian joined College Bound AZ in 2015 as a 7^th grader attending Queen of Peace Catholic School. He credits College Bound AZ with planting the seed to pursue college. Over coffee, Sebastian shared, “It took me seven years to finish, and I went non-stop, even over every summer!” Sebastian now works as a Contract Specialist at Toyota.

Their success represents years of persistence and the power of steady support along the way. We couldn’t be more proud of them!

RISE Scholars January Workshop: Building Persistence Through Play

In January, College Bound AZ will host a student workshop focused on college persistence, using a Jeopardy-style game designed by an ASU student to reinforce critical skills and knowledge. Through interactive play, students will review financial aid basics, campus resources, time management, and problem-solving strategies — all designed to help them stay enrolled and on track.

Learning sticks when it’s engaging, and this workshop reflects our belief that persistence can be taught, practiced, and strengthened.

Scholarships Open Jan 1

We are especially proud to announce that College Bound AZ scholarships open January 1, with three new scholarships added this year. These opportunities are designed to close financial gaps and reduce barriers that too often thwart students’ educational journeys.

Thanks to the success of our recent gala and the generosity of our donors, College Bound AZ will surpass $100,000 in support provided to students through laptops and tuition-assistance scholarships, a milestone we are deeply grateful to share.

Learn more at collegeboundaz.org.

College Bound AZ Receives Amazing Gift from the 100 Women Who Care Valley of the Sun Ahwatukee Chapter!

In an unforgettable evening, the Ahwatukee Chapter of 100 Women Who Care Valley of the Sun selected College Bound AZ to receive its quarterly donations to strengthen “a place where dreams are lifted, barriers are dismantled, and futures are rewritten with love and intention.”

“100+ Women Who Care means so much to College Bound AZ, not just for the financial support, but for the powerful message of community and women coming together to create real change. This funding will directly support our students by keeping our food bank stocked, providing laptops to bridge the digital divide, and offering scholarships and emergency resources that help students stay in college. Your generosity removes barriers that can derail a young person’s future, and we are deeply grateful,” shared Lisa Rivera, Director of Development.

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.