Our Gratitude is Endless after the Hoops for Hope Gala!
We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, supportive guests, and cherished friends of College Bound AZ who made our recent Hoops for Hope Gala an unforgettable evening of culture, celebration, and purpose.
Together, we celebrated a milestone achievement, honoring our first Native American graduate from Harvard University, a powerful testament to the determination, resilience, and potential of the students we proudly serve.
The evening came alive with the mesmerizing artistry of Native hoop dancers, inspiring presentations from our Rise Scholars alumni, and heartfelt stories of triumph that reminded us all why education remains one of the most transformative forces for good in our community.
Your presence, encouragement, and continued support help College Bound AZ open doors to higher education for first-generation and low-income students across Arizona. Because of you, our scholars are not just dreaming of a better future—they’re achieving it.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside us, believing in our mission, and helping us continue to serve equity through Education.
With gratitude,
The College Bound AZ Team
Thank You to Our Sponsors
What a night to remember!
Our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors who supported us for our Native American–themed gala, celebrating College Bound AZ’s first Native American graduate from Harvard University, Kylie Hunts-in-Winter!
From hoop dancers to Rise Scholars sharing their journeys, the evening was filled with inspiration, culture, and community spirit.
Thank you for standing beside us as we continue to pursue equity through Education.
Sacred Hoop Sponsor
Arizona State University
Bid Paddle Sponsor
Sun State Builders
Eagle Sponsor
Kroger
Buffalo Sponsor
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of AZ
Spirit Sponsors
Eve Pet Hospital
Flex Technology Group
FiberFirst
Moses SEO
Maxify Marketing
Cedar Sponsors
The Art of Framing
Benedictine University
Student of the Month – Excellence Rewarded
Two students, one morning and one afternoon, were selected by their EVIT teachers, Ms. Torstenson and Ms. Covington, for “their positive attitude, strong academic performance, and outstanding leadership qualities”.
Students receive a congratulatory letter, a Certificate of Achievement, and a $50 cash award as part of their award.
Well done, Veterinary Assistant Student Emily Young and Soham Alvarenga!
Soham Alvarenga
Emily Young
Where are They Now? Central Arizona College Program Grad Raul Torres Joins Wilson Electric
RISE Scholar Raul Torres completed the Diesel Technician program at EVIT in May 2025 and planned to go on for additional training at Central Arizona College (CAC).
He was very proactive about applying for scholarships and was awarded several to fuel his college journey.
Today, Raul is an Electrical Technician working for Wilson Electric.
Wait, what?
Life happens. After high school, Raul began his very first job, working at Walmart. Once enrolled in college, the diesel courses Raul aspired to took effect during his second semester. To get started in the fall, he selected a few alternate classes, one of which was part of the Electrical Technician certificate program. He found he liked it and did well in it. With his teacher’s encouragement, he changed his educational goal. “I can graduate from this program in 16 weeks and get a better job sooner,” Raul stated.
The Electrical Technician program at CAC is offered in partnership with Wilson Electric, which develops the curriculum and provides job placements for graduates. Graduates must buy their industry-required tool set on their own, which wasn’t possible for Raul, who hadn’t worked long enough to afford his set. The scholarships he received, including a Trades Scholarship from College Bound AZ, were credited to his student account at college. College Bound AZ stepped in with another scholarship to help purchase $500 in tools from Home Depot. With significant progress made, Raul had another, bigger hurdle to overcome. He needed transportation to get to job sites all over metro Phoenix, and he needed a driver’s license.
Now, within a week of completing training and receiving his job placement, CAC released all remaining funds in Raul’s account. Because Raul set up an electronic account for refunds with CAC before he graduated, Raul found himself with money to buy a car. He was assisted by another RISE Scholar, Eduardo Vidal, who stepped in to mentor Raul through this last challenge. The day Raul graduated from his program, he received his job offer, his driver’s license, AND a car. He was absolutely beaming with accomplishment and pride. “I’m working my new job now and I’m loving it!”
Professionally, Raul is on his way. Perhaps even more significant is that his professional employment will allow Raul to lift himself out of the ranks of the working poor and become a thriving community member. College Bound AZ remained engaged with Raul to ensure his success. The transition to college and beyond was made more difficult because of Raul’s autism, but his amazing attitude, perseverance, and resilience prevailed!
College Bound AZ is a Certified Autism Center and a proud member of the Chambers of Commerce of Mesa, Scottsdale, and Gilbert.
RISE Scholars: October 2025
In their October session, RISE Scholars selected the colleges to which they would apply and completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid.
FAFSA is often thought of solely for the grant students may income-qualify for that is applied toward tuition and fees by their school of choice. There are two more components to federal financial aid, and all students can qualify for these:
Work-Study (student jobs available on campus)
Low-Interest Loans
Want to apply for FAFSA? Start at studentaid.gov to create your student account or your contributor account. The maximum grant benefit remains the same as in previous years, $7,395.
ASU Leads the Way in Equity Through Education
We’re proud to celebrate Arizona State University as the Title Sponsor of this year’s Hoops for Hope Gala. ASU’s commitment to equity through education shines through in everything they do—opening doors, expanding opportunity, and helping every student see what’s possible. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for first-generation and underrepresented students across Arizona.
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!
