May is Mental Health Awareness Month, May 6th is National Teachers’ Day, and Happy Mother’s Day (May 11)!
Celebrating National Teachers’ Day
We celebrate those special people, our teachers, who make such an impact on youth.
Several RISE Scholars chose teaching as their calling. Among them are Ashley Chacon, Madison Isch, Sandra Avila Lopez, Alexa Johnson, and now Carlo Rios graduates May 2025 to teach high school history in Mesa Public Schools.
A graduate of Sequoia Charter School, Carlos received a laptop scholarship for college and advising that positioned him for four years paid tuition through ASU’s College Attainment Grant.
“I’m really thankful that I was able to be in RISE Scholars and able to go to college,” said Carlos. Carlos is the first in his family to complete college. Congratulations, Mr. Carlos Rios!
From Dreams to Degrees: Meet Our 2025 College Graduates
See our RISE Scholars who are graduating college and entering the workforce with the latest knowledge and technologies.
In addition to Harvard University graduate Kylie Hunts-in-Winter, whom we featured in the April newsletter, we congratulate:
Alpha Villa, BS Community Health, ASU
Kayla Tran, MS Microbiology, ASU
Kyle Lile, BS Manufacturing Engineering, ASU
Samantha Isidoro Hernandez, PA, Lincoln Memorial University, TN
Vivian Doan, BS Microbiology, ASU
Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, BS Public Service and Public Policy, ASU
RISE Scholars Student of the Month
Congratulations to Nursing Assistant student Paola Carranza who was selected by her teacher Ms. Laura McKinley.
“Paola is a terrific student. She works really hard, is so very bright, and she has a great attitude. Her work is always excellent and always on time. She deserves to be recognized as Student of the Month!”, said Ms. McKinley. Paola plans to attend Mesa Community College to major in Nursing.
To recognize her accomplishment, Paola receives a letter and Certificate of Achievement, as well as a $50 award. Well done, Paola!
This Month in RISE Scholars
Celebrate and graduate! 204 graduates, the 2025 RISE Scholars, will participate in the Gold Cord Ceremony on May 2 (Power campus), and May 3 (Main campus).
2024 Gold Cord Ceremony
Awardee Mira Tbdros
During the event, RISE Scholars receive a gold honor cord and the scholarships awarded to them.
Scholarships may be laptops or cash awards sent to their school of choice and are based on essays students submitted. The 2025 RISE Scholars will attend 34 different post-secondary schools, with the highest majority enrolled at Arizona State University. Our very best wishes for your bright futures ahead!
Where Are They Now?
Arizona State University freshman Reyna Sanchez (third from left) recently stopped in to touch base with the RISE Scholars staff. She is majoring in applied biological sciences at the Tempe campus and is an ASU Stunt Devil.
“I remember meeting every month and always going into class with an open mind, there were guest speakers, and we had help filling out our FAFSA and given many resources to scholarships. There was also help with budgeting and planning for college. I think the thing that helped me most was learning that I qualified for the AZ Promise Program. It was definitely a relief to have my school paid for all four years. My dad is proud of me, and I always am grateful that I was guided by College Bound AZ!”
Dental school is in Reyna’s future after she completes her undergraduate degree. Reyna, you are an inspiration to the students who are following in your footsteps! You can see Reyna and the Stunt Devils on Instagram @stuntdevils_asu.
Welcome Our Newest Board Member
Michael Beauregard, PhD, MBA, Veda FM Consulting, has joined the College Bound AZ Board of Directors.
Michael first graduated from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU. His skills in strategic planning help corporations optimize their physical footprint and ROI. Michael was previously a “big” in nonprofit Big Brother Big Sisters of Central AZ, which shows the heart he has for the community and education.
Michael’s MBA will help shepherd College Bound AZ’s growth and development. We’re so excited for this next phase of capacity-building! Welcome, Dr. Michael Beauregard!
Upcoming Events
April 30 – Venezia’s Pizza Meet Up
660 S. College Avenue, Tempe.
Meet for pizza and meet up with RISE Scholars at college. We meet the last Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm.
May 1 & 2. – Gold Cord Ceremony
East Valley Institute of Technology.
Thursday May 1, 2025, 9:30 am & 1:30 pm, 6625 S. Power Road, Mesa.
Friday May 2, 2025, 9:30 am & 1:30 pm, EVIT Main campus, 1601 W Main Street, Mesa.
October 18 – Save the Date for our Hoops of Hope gala!
College Bound AZ is a 501c3 community resource that goes on the journey to college with aspiring underrepresented students with scholarships, guidance, and education supports for their advancement to a better future through education.
