Strategic Focus Area

Education

Young girl wearing eye protection pouring a solution from a conical flask into a beaker.

Cultivating Impact

Arizonans want to see improvement in early childhood education and more enrollment in postsecondary education. They understand its impact on business and economic growth. But education costs continue to rise, which presents a significant challenge. Partnering with the Arizona Community Foundation can help ensure your dollars support educational attainment and ultimately a skilled workforce for a better Arizona.

ACF Education Innovation Fund

Support solutions that address Arizona's most pressing education needs.

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Educational Priorities

ACF is committed to directing its community efforts and funding to the following priority areas:

Early Childhood Literacy

Preschool attendance has shown to have a direct impact on early childhood literacy. Arizona has the lowest preschool attendance rates in the nation. The pandemic further exacerbated the issue and continues to remain low in our state. ACF will prioritize funding to ensure all Arizona children have access to quality early childhood care and literacy support.

Teacher Workforce

Effective teachers are vital to student learning and attainment. Yet, teacher recruitment and retention remain opportunities for improvement in Arizona. ACF will fund innovative solutions to support teacher recruitment and retention, particularly among the most critical 3- to 5-year period of a teacher’s career.

Postsecondary Attainment

Arizona’s postsecondary attainment goal is 60%, yet only 47% of Arizona high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary pathway (Source: Center for the Future of Arizona). ACF will prioritize funding for multiple pathways, including certifications, community college, and university programs, to help students access high-wage, in-demand jobs.

Impact in Action

Empowering to Learn and Grow

Learn more about April
Two women posing for a photo at Flagstaff High School Campus
I joined the Earn to Learn program so that high school students could know that they aren’t the only ones who felt the process of navigating what to do after high school is confusing.

April Meadows

Impact in Action

The Power of Postsecondary Education

Learn more about Francisco
When I finish school, I’ll probably work at a dealership to build my reputation and maybe move up the ranks. I could join a race team or even own a dealership.

Francisco Tapia

Impact in Action

Overcoming obstacles to persevere

Learn more about Mario
Landscape photo of an ASU Building
Traditionally, men in my family don’t go to school. We go into trades or construction. I didn’t complain, I knew what was expected.... When I see where I’m at, I think I wouldn’t be here without the scholarship.

Mario Ortega Ocampo