ACF of Flagstaff

With grants exceeding $833,000, the Arizona Community Foundation has supported Earn to Learn’s efforts in providing students across rural Arizona access to the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed after high school.

One program helps place recent college graduates into high schools. These “near-peer college advisors” provide one-on-one guidance as they explore postsecondary education options. They assist with college and financial aid applications, help students understand scholarship opportunities, and offer culturally responsive support that is both practical and encouraging.

April Meadows, a double major in astrophysics and mathematics at Northern Arizona University, felt that her path to finding the right postsecondary option was overwhelming. She decided to become a near-peer college advisor at Flagstaff High School to help others learn from her personal experience.

Students and their parents were particularly perplexed about FAFSA. April rented a space at the high school library to meet with parents and students to help them better understand the process.

This funding comes at a critical time. While Earn to Learn works across the state to support low-to-moderate-income students, rural communities often face additional barriers to higher education. Limited access to college planning resources, financial aid guidance, and mentorship can leave students feeling uncertain or unsupported. Strategic investments like this help fill those gaps and create lasting change.