Save the Date!

October 30, 2026

Get ready to shine at College Bound AZ’s Boots & Bling Annual Gala!

Join us for a high-spirited evening of celebration, community, and impact as we rally around Arizona students and their path to college success. Dust off your boots, bring your bling, and prepare for a night of fun, inspiration, and purpose. The sponsorship packages will be online soon to highlight our business community partners.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

A huge THANK YOU to BNI Sharks for generously donating a refrigerator for our College Bound AZ food pantry! 

Each year, College Bound AZ provides over 2,000 meals to students attending EVIT and Benedictine University, Mesa. Because of your support, we can better serve our students and ensure they have access to fresh, nourishing food when they need it most. Your generosity makes a real, tangible difference — and we are so grateful to have you in our community!

Volunteers Juanita Dominguez and Kevin Haasarud keep the food pantry stocked and organized. Thank you!

College Bound AZ Named 2026 Nonprofit Honoree

Women Empowered Expo – Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

College Bound AZ was selected as the official 2026 Nonprofit Honoree of the Women 
Empowered Expo by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce — an extraordinary recognition of women with a mission, their leadership, and their impact across the East Valley.

Dream. Define. Do. The Expo’s theme highlights the work College Bound AZ does every day to empower underserved and first-generation students to achieve their dream of higher education. Being chosen as the nonprofit representative at the annual event affirms not only our outcomes but also the heart behind our work — strengthening families and opening doors to generational change through education. Our many thanks to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce!

Expo Speaker and Author Peppur Chambers with RISE Scholars ASU mechanical engineering student Katie Gist.

From first steps to powerful milestones, our RISE Scholars are truly Reaching Impact through Student Excellence — and we’re excited to share their latest successes with you.

Student of the Month

Pharmacy Technician student Samantha Toledo has been recognized by her teacher for her drive to the future.

Pharmacy Technician instructor Tina Erwin recognized Samantha Toledo as a student who “has her eye on her future. Samantha is a very dedicated student who will do well.” Students receive a Certificate of Achievement, a letter from College Bound AZ, and a $50 cash award for their noteworthy performance. Well done, and well deserved!

Dr. Ron Thompson Inspires Students

What could be more powerful than a personal testimony? Dr. Ron Thompson provided students with a snapshot of his successful career, answered question and provided a vision of the future to students from the Dental Assistant program

Dr. Ron Thompson practiced dentistry for over 30 years before he retired, and spoke about how he got his start to the 50 or more dental assistant students.  “I thought he was really good,” said student Valeria Camunez. 

As he wrapped his presentation, Thompson was mobbed by students with more questions about his professional career.  Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for imparting a vision for the future on aspiring students!

Fun Fact. Private Thompson learned to speak German while stationed there, and even had a brief conversation with an EVIT student attending his presentation.

Alumnae Spotlight – Where are They Now

Two RISE Scholars, Architect Vivian Pelayo and Jet Pilot Eduardo Vidal continue making their professional impact. Where are they now?

Vivian Pelayo, Architect LinkedIn profile
In a previous update, we congratulated 2021 RISE Scholars Vivian Pelayo for graduating ASU with her BS in Architecture. We recently caught up with her to learn she has started her master’s in architecture! She is also a 2025 recipient of the Fiesta Sports Foundation Empowering Diversity Scholarship, demonstrating her commitment to her community by designing homeless shelters. Your impact is truly profound, Vivian, and we are so very proud of you!

Eduardo Vidal, Corporate Pilot

As one of our earliest program participants, 2012 RISE Scholars Eduardo Vidal had his heart set on becoming a commercial pilot, and in 2023 he made it.  But he didn’t stop there. His ultimate goal was always to fly jets. As a corporate pilot for Sofar Aviation, he is doing just that. “It’s almost surreal,” he said recently. “I ‘m so excited to reach my dream. I can’t wait for my parents to join me on a flight so they can see it for themselves!”

Vidal, though, has never forgotten his struggle to earn the flight hours needed. “I want to help the next generation of future aviators”, he said, which is the reason behind the scholarship he has established with College Bound AZ. The Wings of Opportunity scholarship is open to any aspiring pilot who has passed their FAA Airman Knowledge Exam and is enrolled in flight school. Eduardo, the impact you will have on aspiring pilots is life-changing!

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.