We’re thrilled to share some incredible news! This year, we’re not just celebrating another graduating class; we’re witnessing the powerful start of our 25′ Alumni and R.I.S.E College Bridge Summer Program. This initiative marks a vital step in our commitment to ensuring every Elevate Phoenix student has a clear and supported post-secondary plan and path beyond high school.
A Graduated Class Ready to Soar
We’re incredibly proud to announce that all 64 of our graduated seniors from the 2024-2025 cohort are on track to graduate – a testament to their hard work and the dedicated support they’ve received. This remarkable group includes:
- 23 students from Maryvale High School
- 8 students from Cesar Chavez High School
- 20 students from Camelback High School
- 10 students from North High School
- 3 students from non-Elevate classes who participated through our mentoring program
To ensure we connected with as many seniors as possible, we held engaging monthly senior meetings across all four high schools from January through May, fostering a strong sense of community and preparation for their next steps.
The Transformative Power of R.I.S.E.
Central to our post-secondary success strategy is the R.I.S.E. program. As highlighted on our website (elevatephoenix.org/rise-grads-soar), R.I.S.E. stands for “Ready for an Inspired, Successful Education.” This program is designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education, providing crucial support and preparation for our students.
This summer, 41 of our graduating seniors took part in the R.I.S.E. program, diving deeper into academic readiness and college preparation. The results speak volumes about its impact: our newest cohort of graduates boasts an impressive average GPA of 3.89. Historically, students often leave high school with an average GPA of 1.78. However, after participating in our R.I.S.E. program, these students begin their new college careers with an astounding average GPA of 3.9. This significant leap demonstrates the profound difference targeted support and mentorship can make.
Charting Futures: Post-Secondary Plans
Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Regardless of their participation in the R.I.S.E. program, we’ve diligently completed Alumni Profiles for all our seniors. This ensures we uphold our promise of helping 100% of our graduates establish a clear post-secondary plan. We’re thrilled to see the diverse paths they’re embarking on:
- College: 37 students
- Trades/Certificate Programs: 10 students
- Military/Armed Forces: 3 students
- Workforce: 36 students (with the majority combining this with one of the above pathways, showing incredible ambition and strategic planning!)
End of Program Celebration
To wrap up the summer program, we held an End of Program Celebration. This event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work and achievements of our students. Families, friends, and community members joined us to celebrate the graduates and all the participants of our summer program. The celebration included speeches from students and staff, showcasing the impact of the program on their lives.
All of these incredible graduating seniors are now officially part of our vibrant Alumni network, gaining access to ongoing support from graduation onward as they navigate their chosen journeys.
Your Gift: A Ripple Effect for Success
As the new school year approaches in Arizona, many students face the “summer slide,” losing up to 40% of what they learned, especially in reading and math. While our 250 summer enrichment students are ready, many others aren’t, often lacking support at home.
Elevate Phoenix tackles this head-on by providing vital tutoring, homework help, and educational supplies to hundreds of students daily, helping them quickly catch up and excel.
Your gift is a powerful lifeline! A $25 donation provides an hour of tutoring and supplies, with $50 covering two hours, and so on. Any amount you give creates a ripple effect, directly helping struggling children build a solid educational foundation for the entire year. Thank you for empowering them to thrive in school! Donate Today!
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