Hello!

AFFCF is pleased to bring you the latest information about the resources you need to help you and your student get ready for post-secondary studies.

COLLEGE DEPOT'S GRIT PROGRAM

Are you familiar with College Depot and its GRIT program?

College Depot is a great college access resource located on the second floor of the Burton Barr library in downtown Phoenix (1221 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004).

College Depot launched its GRIT (Graduating Ready, Independent, and Tenacious) program in 2020 and rising high school seniors can now register to receive college readiness support this summer and throughout senior year!

High school seniors will be connected to a direct support system as they work on all the steps needed to attend college. Inspired by demand, College Depot has expanded the GRIT program to offer hands on and personalized GRIT services on Wednesdays and Saturdays for high school seniors beginning in August of 2025.

Workshop Wednesdays will explore timely college application and senior year milestones such as College Admissions (both in-state and out-of-state), Writing Winning Scholarship and Admissions Essays, Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships, Evaluating Housing, and more. 

Senior Saturdays will offer more in-depth presentations, guest speakers, and personalized guidance and opportunities for family members to participate, all geared around senior year milestones and deadlines.

GRIT orientation sessions will fill up quickly, learn more information and sign up at the link below!

Within Reach Conference:

Empowering Foster Youth in Higher Education

Registration Now OPEN!

Conference Information:

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

8:30am to 4:00pm

Mesa Community College – Navajo Room

1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202

Audience: We welcome all supportive adults who work with youth and young adults in foster care, including case managers, foster parents, group home staff, CASAs, volunteers, mentors, etc. While youth and young adults are always welcome, the primary focus will be on supportive adults.

Workshops: Join colleges, universities, community organizations, and government agencies throughout Arizona to learn about supportive programs for college-bound youth and young adults.

Workshops from:

ASU – Bridging Success

ASU – First Star

Maricopa Community Colleges – Bridging Success

GCU – Fostering Futures

Arizona Friends of Foster Children (AFFCF)

Department of Child Safety (DCS)

NAU – Blavin Bettin Scholars

EVIT – HopeTech

Foster Success Education Services – AZ ETV

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA'S NEW START

(EARLY START) PROGRAM - APPLY BY 5/15/25

Are you caring for or working with a future Wildcat who will start at UA this fall? If so, the UA New Start early start program is a great resource!

• Students move onto UA's campus early to get familiarized with campus, make friends, and will take two classes to earn six to seven college credits for the Summer 2025 semester!

• The cost of the New Start classes and student housing is fully covered if a student is Pell-eligible (students must complete the 2024-2025 and 2025-2025 FAFSA applications).

• New Start runs from 6/7/25 - 7/18/25, learn more and apply at the below link!

Application deadline: 5/15/25

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,



Erika Klotz

Post-Secondary Program Manager

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Office: (602) 775-5786

Cell: (480) 881-1354

www.affcf.org