Newsletter - June 2025

Graduation season is here and across Arizona, thousands of high school and college students are walking the stage and stepping into their future. At Education Forward Arizona, we are proud to celebrate the Class of 2025, including our scholarship recipients and student ambassadors as they celebrate this milestone.

This year’s graduates represent more than individual achievements. They are proof that when we invest in students, communities thrive and Arizona grows stronger.

In 2025, more than 130 Education Forward Arizona-supported students are graduating from postsecondary institutions. Read the full blog to meet a few inspiring graduates we have supported along the way.

For 20 years, Helios Education Foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping education in Arizona, through their partnerships, including Education Forward Arizona. Through their investments, vision, and commitment to student success, Helios helped lay the foundation for Education Forward Arizona and the work we lead today, from pursuing the Achieve60AZ attainment goal to directly supporting students as they navigate their path to and through higher education.

We’re honored to be featured on their website in their new interactive timeline, which highlights the milestones, investments, and partnerships that ultimately formed Education Forward Arizona.

Helios Education Foundation has remained a committed partner in our efforts to improve educational attainment and provide direct support to Arizona students.

We’re grateful for their continued support and for the opportunity to move education forward together.

Advocacy Updates

Our latest Education Explainer highlights the vital impact of federal education programs—GEAR UP, TRIO, and Head Start—on Arizona students and families, especially in rural and underserved communities. It also outlines the potential implications of reducing or eliminating funding.

This important piece was also featured in the Arizona Agenda this week, a widely read newsletter that keeps civic-minded Arizonans informed on the state’s most pressing issues. This feature helps shine a broader light on why these federal programs matter and why preserving them is essential for Arizona’s future.

In The News

Our president and CEO was recently quoted in two articles about the critical connection between education and Arizona’s future workforce needs—and the urgency to increase college enrollment in Arizona.

Education in Phoenix key to filling thousands of high-tech, nursing jobs

Source: Tyler RAU / USA TODAY Network

Phoenix: The lure of innovation brings thousands of new arrivals a year

Program Updates and Resources

The College Knowing & Going (CKG) program, a Helios Education Foundation initiative led by Education Forward Arizona, is building a stronger college-going culture in 30 high schools across the state. This year, 56 graduating CKG student ambassadors supported their peers through applications, financial aid, and planning for life after high school. We’re proud to share their stories and celebrate their impact.

Read the full blog to hear from a few graduating CKG Student Ambassadors about how the program made a difference in their lives, and see what’s next on their path after high school!

Join our Ask Benji team for their upcoming Lunch & Learn!

We're excited to welcome guest speaker, Alessandra Cipriani-Detres from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), for a thoughtful session examining various studies and surveys to gain a deeper understanding of effective messaging for students and families regarding topics such as financial aid and college admissions.

Bring your lunch and join us to explore the evolving language surrounding postsecondary education.