Education Forward Arizona News

DECEMBER 2023

Fired up for FAFSA! 🔥

December 1 marked the FAFSA Kickoff and AzCAN Launch, where more than 400 college access professionals from across the state had the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and gain valuable tools around the new FAFSA and providing quality college and career readiness to Arizona students.

This inspiring event was made possible through the strong partnership with Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Department of Education, and the National College Attainment Network.

There is a direct correlation between FAFSA completions and college enrollment, and through our initiatives, including AzCAN, we are committed to ensuring counselors and educators are prepared to skillfully guide their students through the new form process.

Board Updates

Welcome our new Chairman of the Board, John Fees!

Please help us in welcoming the new Chairman of the Board at Education Forward Arizona, John Fees, Co-Founder and CEO of GradGuard!

John previously served the board as Vice Chairman and has been an education advocate both locally and nationally for many years. We are excited to have John provide his expertise and guidance as we work to close the 500K degree gap in Arizona.

Welcome our new Board Member, Dr. Daniel Corr!

Dr. Daniel P. Corr, EdD, serves as President of Arizona Western College and joins the Education Forward Arizona Board with more than 30 years of experience at the community college level.

Dr. Corr serves on a number of local, state, and national boards. However, his greatest passion is for AWC’s students and their success. We are grateful to have Dr. Corr bring his vision and expertise to the board.

Scholar Spotlight - Native American Heritage Month

Lani Martinez

Native American Scholarship Recipient

Studying Justice, Political Philosophy and Law at

New Mexico State University

In November we celebrated Native American Heritage Month by highlighting some of our scholars, asking what they loved about their culture and traditions.

"I love how unique my culture is. In the dinè culture, we have many teachings, songs, and traditions that are very unique compared to other cultures. I grew up learning my language and my teachings from shímasan dòò shínaalíí dòò shíma which is my paternal and maternal grandmothers, and my mother."

The Freeport McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program provides students up to $6,000 per school year to support their educational journeys.

Applications for our 2024 scholarship will open February 1st, 2024.

This Season of Giving, we invite you to join us in our mission. Your donation directly fuels initiatives that increase postsecondary attainment, including our innovative scholarship programs, and advocacy efforts for policies and funding that support low-income communities, students of color, and first-generation students in pursuing education.

Your support, no matter the amount, is pivotal in shaping the future of education in Arizona.

Donate Today

Don't miss this vital opportunity to show policymakers how early childhood builds a bridge to their priorities and the impact early childhood investments have made in communities across our beautiful state.

You can choose to participate in a learning session, including a panel with state lawmakers, and join in on fun activities. There is also the opportunity to schedule group visits with your legislators.

Frank Zamora Honored by Gateway Community College

Our very own Frank Zamora, Student Success Adviser, was honored last night with the title of Faculty Emeritus from Gateway Community College.

Frank is being recognized for his 39 years of student-focused work in the Maricopa County Community College District and will have the distinction of being the first Latino to receive this honor.

Upon retiring, Frank realized he still had so much to give to students that he decided to join Education Forward Arizona as a Success Adviser. Frank is able to make a difference in the lives of students each year.

Congratulations, Frank and thank you for your contributions to Arizona students!

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