Volunteers Needed!
Join the October 30, 2026, Boots & Bling Gala planning committee and help make our annual fundraiser the best ever! Be a part of something special by reaching out to Lisa Rivera, [email protected].
Help is needed in preparing the auction items, decorating the venue, and identifying sponsors to showcase at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel Wrigleyville West. Tickets and sponsorships are available now!
May is the White and Gold Ceremony for RISE Scholars
250 RISE Scholars are looking forward to the White and Gold Ceremony that marks the completion of their senior year with College Bound AZ.
During the ceremony, students are awarded their tuition-assistance scholarships and laptops, and they receive a White and Gold Honor Cord signifying their commitment to their education.
Vantage West Credit Union is helping prepare notes of encouragement to include in a parting graduation gift from the RISE Scholars program that will also include a thumb drive, Post-It notes, and snacks.
Ceremony Information
Student of the Month:
Ava Littau
This month, we are proud to recognize one of our outstanding students who continues to demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment to their future.
Ava Littau, Nursing Assistant program, exemplifies what it means to be College Bound, showing determination in the classroom, leadership among peers, and a clear vision for their future. Her journey reflects the power of support, mentorship, and opportunity coming together at the right time.
In addition to a Certificate of Achievement, Ava receives a $50 check for her accomplishment. Well done, Ava! We celebrate your achievements and look forward to all you will accomplish in the years ahead.
College Bound AZ Open House at EVIT
At the Open House, we unveiled our Hearts of Hope Donor Recognition Board, a powerful symbol of generosity and belief. Each name represents a different donor who has given a student the opportunity to create their brighter future through higher education.
Each column represents eight donors who contributed in the 2025-2026 school year. We had over 300 donors this year alone who wanted to change the life of one student. From student success stories to program highlights, the message was clear: lives are being changed every day.
Hearts of Hope Donor Recognition Wall
Real Impact Story: Supporting Dominic When It Mattered Most
At College Bound AZ, our mission goes beyond academics, it’s about showing up for our students when life gets hard. Dominic is one of those students.
A senior in our program, Dominic is currently living on his own and working two jobs just to make ends meet. Despite the weight of real-world responsibilities that most students never have to face, he continues to pursue his goal of attending college to study Dental Hygiene.
Through our Fueling Minds with Heart food pantry program, we provided Dominic with essential food resources through donations and our partnership with Midwest Food Bank—enough to sustain him for several critical weeks. RISE Scholars also provided Dominic with a laptop computer for his college success.
This is what your support makes possible: real, human impact when it matters most. To our donors, you are the reason stories like Dominic’s have hope!
Tech for Tomorrow E-Waste Recycling Program
E-Waste Recycling Program: Turning Waste into Real Opportunity
In partnership with Bits n’ Bytes Computers, College Bound AZ’s E-Waste Recycling Program is transforming 10,000 pounds of electronics from Vantage West Credit Union into refurbished laptops, scholarship funding, and student advising.
Leadership Spotlight: Tim Palmer
We proudly welcome Tim Palmer as our new Board President. His vision includes expanding our reach, enhancing our digital presence, and growing our impact across the community.
Closing Message
Dr. B said it best: “We need to share the great things College Bound AZ is doing—so that we can grow the program.”
To our donors, partners, and supporters, thank you for making this work possible.
Together, we are changing lives, one student at a time.
