Newsletter - November 2024 | |
We hosted our annual “An InspirED Evening” education celebration event last week at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn. The evening brought together leaders, educators and advocates from across Arizona to celebrate collaboration and innovation in education, from early learning through postsecondary attainment. | |
The event, chaired by Chris Camacho, President of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Stacy Derstine, Vice President of External Affairs at APS; and Gonzalo de la Melena Jr., CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures, highlighted the critical role education plays in shaping Arizona’s future. Congratulations to our Luminary Award Honoree and our three North Star Award winners (listed below).
| Award Winners and Honorees | |
Luminary Award Honoree:
- Jeff Guldner, CEO, Arizona Public Service (APS)
North Star Award Winners:
- First Things First
- ElevateEdAZ
- Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC)
All of whom inspire us with their dedication to Arizona’s educational future.
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Education Advocacy Updates | |
Findings from the Arizona Post-High School Education Policy Issues Survey | |
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A new poll from our Everything to Gain campaign shows that Arizonans overwhelmingly support expanding access to post-high school education and training.
Key findings include:
- 95% backing for career training programs
- 93% support for dual enrollment
- 81% support for waiving fees for college-credit programs
Additionally, three in four Arizonans are more likely to vote for candidates prioritizing these goals. This data underscores a significant gap between policymakers and public demand, calling for urgent action to ensure all Arizona students have the opportunities they need to succeed.
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We are excited to share this opportunity from Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan. The Guarantee Your Future with Freeport scholarship program provides education, training, and job placement in one of six critical technical areas. The program is open to everyone ages 18 and above. Learn new skills that can lead to a rewarding career path and successful future in mining, an industry critical to the energy transition, with Freeport-McMoRan in one of its nine U.S. copper and molybdenum operations in AZ, CO and NM. | |
Scholars Networking Event | |
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Education Forward Arizona Scholars gathered at the Helios Education Campus for an impactful presentation on building professional relationships, led by Jennifer Sanchez, Community Affairs Manager at Intel. Scholars also had the chance to connect with Education Forward Arizona’s CEO and top executives, gaining valuable insights and real-world experience.
As part of Career Days 2024, scholars enjoyed the opportunity to network receive professional headshots and more—all designed to help them build a successful future.
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A Full Circle Moment for Two Scholars - The Power of Mentorship and Education | |
Former High School Counselor & Student Reconnect as Scholars | |
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Brayden Alsenay and Austin Velasquaz have recently embarked on exciting new chapters in their academic journeys, both with the support of our Native American Scholarship Program. By a strange twist of fate, the two students reconnected at our recent scholarship program meet & greet event for NAU students—years after their paths first crossed.
Valasquaz previously worked in the counseling department at Alchesay High School on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where he organized college visits and programs that opened doors for students to explore their future potential. One of the students who benefited from his efforts was none other than Brayden Alsenay, now a freshman at NAU.
Their reunion is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact mentorship can have on a student’s journey, and how education can open doors to a brighter future. It’s stories like these that showcase the ripple effect of support, connection, and opportunity.
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