,For the past 16 years, Elevate Phoenix has been a powerful catalyst for change in East, South, and West Phoenix, demonstrating that long-term, life-changing relationships are the most effective way to empower urban youth. Founded in 2009, its mission is simple yet profound: to to build consistent, holistic support to students who need it most. With over 85% of the youth and families served living at or below the Federal Poverty Level, Elevate Phoenix doesn’t just offer programs, it builds an unbreakable safety net of instruction, guidance, and hope.

The Program Pipeline: From Literacy to Livelihood

Elevate Phoenix employs a comprehensive suite of accredited programs that address the entire developmental lifecycle of a young person, from elementary school through college, to career, and beyond. This integrated approach ensures that success is built on a strong, multilayered foundation.

The Reading Program tackles the foundational issue of literacy, utilizing an accredited curriculum and giving youth 24/7 access to over 8,000 e-books. The results are undeniable: the organization has improved the literacy skills of its participants by a staggering 10–40%.

The Discover Your Future Program teaches an accredited curriculum focused on essential life skills, resilience, leadership, and workforce preparedness. Critically, it surrounds youth with caring mentors who are available 24/7/365 for help and support. Our mentors are a constant, reliable presence in often unstable lives. This emotional and instructional support is fundamental to their success, resulting in 99% of youth reporting they had the confidence to avoid drugs.

The R.I.S.E. (Relationships. Instruction. Support. Equipping.) Program then targets college and career readiness, providing academic assistance, college tours, and essential financial management skills.

A Community-Wide Economic Investment

Elevate Phoenix’s work is an enormous long-term economic benefit for the entire state of Arizona. Reports from organizations like the Helios Education Foundation, highlight that an Arizonan with a Bachelor’s degree contributes nearly $1 million more in lifetime social gains than a high school graduate.

By keeping thousands of youth in school and preparing them for the workforce, Elevate Phoenix is saving the state an estimated billions of dollars in future crime-related, healthcare, and welfare expenses. The organization is a crucial partner for the future of Phoenix, preparing youth for the nearly 4 million jobs that will need to be filled by 2030.

Elevate Phoenix is more than a nonprofit; it is an essential engine for community development, providing electronic devices to students, offering home-buying assistance to alumni, and acting as a central resource for stability and opportunity in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.

We urge you to become a Champion of Change and continue supporting the vital work of Elevate Phoenix in building brighter futures, one student at a time!

More to Celebrate!

And of course, we cannot wait to gather with you at the 9th Annual Elevate Phoenix Invitational hosted by Tom Lehman—a time to unite, celebrate, and continue shaping the future leaders our city and world desperately need. If you are unable to join us in person, please join us via livestream and participate in our one of kind auctions online. Together, we’re not just building programs—we’re building legacies and YOU are apart of our story!