E-NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2023
New report explores the benefits of education after high school
Arizona has everything to gain – in our economy, in our workforce, in our communities and as individuals – when students continue their education after high school. A new report from the Helios Education Foundation and Education Forward Arizona has revealed just how much we stand to gain when Arizonans pursue education after high school from an individual, social and fiscal perspective.

Your partnership is invaluable to our efforts to spread the message of Everything to Gain and make a difference in the lives of Arizonans. That’s why we’ve developed a Partner Toolkit you can use to learn more and share.

Schedule a Presentation
We’d also love the opportunity to share how increasing postsecondary enrollment and attainment in Arizona can benefit your community. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more about scheduling a presentation at your location.
We are happy to announce that Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz has joined Education Forward Arizona as Senior Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Programs Officer! 

Dr. Leyba Ruiz will lead Education Forward Arizona’s education advocacy efforts and oversee the organization’s scholarship and advising programs.

Prior to joining Education Forward Arizona, Dr. Leyba Ruiz recently retired as the President of Glendale Community College in the Maricopa County Community College District. Her work as an educator and higher education leader closely aligns with our goals of driving equitable access for more Arizona students to postsecondary attainment and supporting them once they enroll in a higher education institution.

Join us on April 27 from noon to 1 p.m. to learn how dual enrollment and other early college programs benefit Arizona students.

Speakers from Helios Education Foundation and Arizona State University will talk about the benefits of dual enrollment and share data from a recent report, “Dual Enrollment in Arizona High Schools.”

Educators and students from Mohave Community College, Lake Havasu High School and Parker Unified School District will also share the challenges and benefits of providing dual enrollment programs for Arizona’s rural students.
Education Forward Arizona In the News #ICYMI
Arizona education experts are mapping out what is required to reach an ambitious postsecondary educational attainment goal for adults. Learn More
Increasing college attendance in Arizona would generate billions of dollars for the state economy, in addition to improving individual earning potential. Read More
University of Arizona student and Education Forward Arizona scholar Evamaria Tanori-Contreras became the first blind student to take an organic chemistry course at the University. Congrats, Evamaria! Read More
Education Forward Arizona’s Senior Vice of President, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Diana Figueroa, recently sat down with Fox 10 Phoenix to share details about the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program. Learn More
Filling out college applications or even the FAFSA form for financial aid can be a daunting experience for high school students, especially first-generation students. But some help and encouragement from a peer can make it easier – and that is exactly what our AdviseAZ AmeriCorps Program provides!

AdviseAZ is a statewide initiative that places college students or recent college graduates in high schools to act as near-peer advisers.

“It’s very rewarding to help seniors apply to college and get accepted," said Alyssa Orozco, an AdviseAZ adviser in the Chino Valley/Camp Verde area. "When they do, we have our own celebration.”

Do you know any students entering college this fall? There is a lot to prepare for, from housing to financial aid. Education Forward Arizona Intern Daniel Hernandez shares his tips as a first-generation student to help those starting their first semester of college.
Education Forward Arizona is seeking great candidates for these roles:
  • Salesforce Administrator
  • AdviseAZ Interns
EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA
Our mission is to advocate for and act on education improvements that advance the quality of life for all Arizonans.