PHOENIX — A $3.4 million investment from the Helios Education Foundation is fueling the expansion of Education Forward Arizona’s College Knowing and Growing program, which aims to increase college enrollment among Arizona students.
The program now includes 30 schools and aligns with the state’s Achieve60AZ goal to ensure 60% of working Arizonans earn a college degree or trade certification by 2030.
Building a College-Going Culture
“This program is designed to work with schools and communities to build a culture that encourages college or career readiness,” said Rich Nickel, CEO of Education Forward Arizona.
The initiative provides resources to participating schools to help students and families navigate the path to higher education. These include:
- Collaboration: Promoting partnerships between families and educators to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.
- Workshops: Funding FAFSA workshops to assist families with financial aid applications.
- Peer Support: Creating student ambassador roles to guide peers in understanding and pursuing their educational goals.
Additionally, the program funds participation in Arizona’s Personalized Admissions Project, which sends letters of acceptance to qualifying students before they apply to state universities.
Reaching Rural Communities
The program’s impact extends to rural schools, including those in the Copper Corridor east of Phoenix.
Richard Ramos, superintendent of Miami Unified School District #40, noted the benefits for his district, which includes Miami Junior-Senior High School. “This funding allows us to connect kids to resources, whether it’s FAFSA applications or field trips to universities,” Ramos said.
Field trips funded by the program give students exposure to Arizona’s major universities, offering opportunities to explore life beyond their immediate communities.
Regional Collaboration
Neighboring schools in Globe, Superior, and Hayden are also participating in the initiative. Ramos emphasized the importance of teamwork among schools in the region.
“By visiting other campuses and sharing best practices, we can learn from one another and implement effective strategies in our own districts,” he said.
A Step Toward College Access
The College Knowing and Growing program represents a collaborative effort to address Arizona’s educational challenges and help students achieve their dreams of higher education or trade careers. As funding reaches more schools, the program continues to create pathways for success for Arizona’s future workforce.