As students across Arizona head back to school, young people in urban Phoenix are getting additional resources and support to help them succeed. Elevate Phoenix is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a two-year, $500,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Elevate Phoenix is dedicated to creating generational change for K-12 students both at home and in their communities by giving hope and teaching them skills in-school that inspire at-risk or underserved kids to become leaders.
More than 18,000 Arizona students dropout of school each year and many of today’s urban youth do not have the positive influence from a parent, teacher, relative, or mentor. That lack of guidance and connection can fuel school dropout rates, teen pregnancy and higher incarceration rates. Pairing students with teacher-mentors creates a built-in support system 24/7/365, helping them discover their worth and pursue their passions.
“Bob and I believe that, with the right champion by their side, every child can achieve their full potential,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Elevate Phoenix mentors build supportive relationships with youth, discourage unhealthy behaviors and prepare them for a bright future and long-term success.”
Today, Elevate Phoenix partners with Arizona’s largest high school district, Phoenix Union, which has more than 30,000 students enrolled. This infusion of funds from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will bolster Elevate Phoenix’s general operating budget, allowing it to expand and reach even more students throughout the school year. This includes the possibility of a new school in the Fall of 2025.
“Education is the key to success,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “But not all kids have it easy in school. Elevate Phoenix is making sure that those who are struggling have an entire team on their side to help them succeed.”
Using a holistic approach designed to meet each child’s individual needs, Elevate Phoenix uses full-time, salaried teacher-mentors, year-round programming, cross-age mentoring and a long-term relational approach. Above all, Elevate Phoenix works to foster meaningful relationships, always keeping education as the main focal point. The program has been incredibly successful, boasting a 98 percent high school graduation rate and 90 percent college retention rate!
“We are incredibly grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. They saw the vision and potential impact of Elevate Phoenix from its beginnings and have come alongside us synergistically to embolden positive change in Phoenix’s urban youth. We oftentimes affably refer to our supporters as “Hope Holders” so how serendipitous that they “Deal in Hope”, says Dalila A. Gamper, Executive Director of Elevate Phoenix.
