SCCF 2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS

The Amphi Foundation was established in 1983 and serves 12,000 + students in the Amphi School District (minority enrollment 60%, 30% economically disadvantaged). They offer a variety of programs and services including home outreach, workforce development, no cost after school support and childcare, and snacks and meals that strengthen attendance, engagement and learning.

Academic Travel Stipends / ECHO (Educational Community Home Outreach). The Academic Travel Stipend offers high risk students the opportunity for transformative experiences that foster educational success, self-improvement and personal development. The students that participate in this program have inspirational experiences that allow them to envision a brighter future while building self confidence and teamwork skills. ECHO provides high risk students with before and after school and summer opportunities at no cost to encourage the love of learning and break down educational barriers. ECHO also incorporates an impressive workforce development component.

They track the number of students served, trips supported, allocated stipends and do annual surveys to assess program quality, accessibility, satisfaction and perceived impact on academic, social-emotional, and health outcomes. Surveys are conducted with students, families, and educators to understand the impact of the travel stipend on their academic journey.

amphifoundation.org

The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation strives to create opportunities, build self esteem and empower youth in Arizona foster care so that they have the best opportunity to transition to adulthood successfully. Youth in foster care are considered an at-risk and in-need group.

The program title is named “Childhood Activities Program for Youth in Pima County Foster Care. Tucson Unified Preview School District enrolls the most foster children of any Arizona school districts with more than 1000 children. All of these foster children are eligible to participate in Child Enrichment Activities. This program positively impacts educational success and improves quality of life.

Activities and purchased items include bikes, camps, lessons, clothing, school supplies, books, car seats, driver license fees, safety equipment, tutoring services, educational field trips and more.

Outcomes are evaluated using a tool completed by caregivers, caseworkers, and CASA (court appointed special volunteers). Respondents rate observed changes in children on a 5 point Likert scale, focusing on academics, self esteem and behavior. In 2024 results showed:

• 84% indicated tutoring positively impacted academic performance
• 97% experienced significant self esteem growth (versus 54% prior year)
• 91% reported the child learned a new skill or hobby

affcf.org

AVIVA, founded in 1971, focuses on the needs of foster care children. These children are at risk of experiencing homelessness, delays in academic achievement, school dropout, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and 3 more. In 2019, AVIVA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Easter Seals Blake Foundation. The goal of AVIVA is to stabilize families and create healthy environments in which children flourish and experience wellness and academic success while preventing or minimizing trauma and homelessness.

The Emergency Resources Program is built to respond quickly and practically. The Grant will support purchases of backpacks, supplies for back to school, clothing, hygiene, kits, an emergency closet. AVIVA distributed in the most recent year, more than 31,000 essential items and a back to school drive that distributed 1,200 youth backpacks filled with school supplies.

Measurable academic outcomes were not provided in the grant application. Currently internal evaluation procedures are used which include reviewing behavioral notes, items distributed, number of children served, satisfaction surveys and audits as required by government contracts.

avivatucson.org

The mission of BBBSSA is to screen and pair “Bigs” and “Littles” to create and support 1:1 mentoring relationships that can ignite the power of youth. Many of the youth served are living in poverty, facing adversity without a stable adult role model.

SCCF funds will help support the cost of recruiting new volunteers, pairing mentors and finding ways to stay connected with mentors.

There were no changes in measurable outcomes versus prior years. Nationally the BBBS outcome survey results from 2024 claim improvement / maintained academic performance (95%), improved / maintained social competence (83%.)

soazbigs.org

BGCT is a leading youth development organization offering quality after school care for children ages 7-18. They focus on 3 outcomes – academic success, good character and healthy lifestyles. They serve almost 4200 boys/girls.

The SCCF grant will expand support for high school participation and serve teens through the EXCEL program, while providing academic incentives, mentorship and recognition opportunities.

BGCT tracks key performance measures, aligningwith best practices in outcomes based evaluation. They monitor program effectiveness and participant engagement and collaborations with local businesses and schools. To date, BGCT has not provided us with an annual impact report that is designed to provide transparent data to evaluate progress.

bgctucson.org

The mission of BTMT is to strengthen communities by nurturing intentional spaces for boys and men to practice honest and mindful relationships. They foster emotional well being, and promote healthy masculinity through group mentoring programs. They focus on Title I schools, high risk neighborhoods, community centers and Juvenile Detention Centers in the greater Tucson area.

The mentoring program has a prolonged and sustained engagement that develops connections and frequent reinforcement. The structured weekly restorative talking circles foster open communications, empathy, and accountability. BTMT strives to make a measurable and lasting impact on those served and believes they ultimately help participants overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

BTMT utilizes an evaluation framework that includes both qualitative and quantitative data collection. Pre and post surveys assess participants’ emotional health, communication skills, trusted adult connections and conflict resolution abilities.

btmtucson.com

Casa de los Ninos offers services to support at risk families of all ages, races and genders by providing child abuse prevention programs and assistance. Their mission is to promote child well being and family stability. They offer home assistance, visitation services, early childhood education, crisis intervention and case management. They prioritize serving families who live in poverty and in communities that are chronically under-resourced.

The Kelly Early Education Center, a 4 star accredited early education center. They are committed to high quality education that will prepare students to be successful in kindergarten and beyond, and be developed to be socially and developmentally prepared to form healthy relationships and social connections. The Center has a specific dedicated focus to families that live in poverty, need trauma involved care, and /or whose children may exhibit disruptive or challenging behaviors that might lead to expulsion from other programs.

The Center has a curriculum that utilizes the STEAM model. It uses 2 evidence based assessments (Ages in Stages Questionnaire (ASQSE-2 and ASQ-3) that track communications, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal and social skills. These assessments are critical to help identify developmental delays or potential disabilities.

casadelosninos.org

EEF provides resources to expand and enrich student learning in the TUSD by offering educational opportunities for underprivileged students (72% of TUSD qualify for federal free / reduced meals) while supporting their well being. They work with unhoused youth and at-risk students, while supporting interactive STEAM projects and educational initiatives.

The project title is “Setting the Path for Academic Excellence.” Participating in innovative STEAM initiatives benefit students and encourage them to think critically, develop leadership and teamwork skills, collaborate effectively and ask insightful questions.

EEF educators submit reports and assessments on project outcomes, the achievement of expected learning goals and the impact on students’ experiences. Endorsed by the Buck Institute, their learning model reinforces their project based learning. EEF strives to collaborate with TUSD Title I schools to bring forth innovative initiatives thatotherwise would not be available to students due to lack of resources.

eeftucson.org

The Girl Scouts strive to build courage, confidence and character. They have two program models, volunteer-supported troops and a staff supported program EmpowHERment Program.

The focus of the Girl Scouts program is on EmpowHERment: Today’s Girl Scouts, Tomorrow’s Leaders. Girls facing significant challenges from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunity to participate, explore and grow. Their programs are designed to meet students where they are, physically, academically and emotionally.

Age appropriate benchmarks are built into hands-on exercises in order to gather data that measures the girls’ acquisition of knowledge and skills in each area. Impact is measured and reported through pre and post surveys.

girlscoutssoaz.org

Higher Ground was the first to implement a Community School model in Arizona. They created Restart SMART, a research driven, data focused and relationship centered approach to reaching individualized community sustainability. Restart SMART is in each of their 7 schools located in neighborhoods that are recognized as Most Vulnerable in the Tucson and Pima County Housing Study.

A Restart SMART program is used at schools that partner with Higher Ground. Each team has a Family Support Specialist who works directly with students, families and school staff to identify early warning signs of instability. The goal is to provide proactive school based support to help families navigate short term hardships while keeping students present, regulated and able to learn.

Higher Ground utilizes evidence based practices and data driven decision making to ensure that interventions are both effective and adaptable. They use the David P.Welkart Center Youth Program Quality Assessment, a validated instrument designed to evaluate the quality of youth programs. Other measurements, such as use of resources and referrals, parent engagement, grit scores and wellness are also used. No measurable outcomes or sharing of the Assessment were presented in this grant request.

higherground.me

Imago Dei had been granted money for 12 years, but did not apply in 2025. Imago Dei is a private, tuition-free school exclusively serving children from low income under-resourced families. Their graduate support program supports 264 students.

College Academy is an expansion of services for the Graduate Support Program. They strive to bridge the gap from successful on-time graduation (98%) to achieving similar success in a four year college. College Academy is planned as a key annual aspect of their mission work and introduces current 7th and 8th graders to recent college grads to all aspects of college life. College academy will take students to U. of A. for a week of programs in June 2026.

Effectiveness will be measured in the short term through pre and post program surveys. Long term effectiveness will be tracked by an increase in the percentage of graduates.

imagodeischool.org

ICS’s services are in 3 main categories: emergency assistance, life advancement, and senior services. ICF utilizes the SCCF grant for its Youth Enrichment Support (YES) initiatives, for which our grant is intended to support.

Single Mom Scholars (SMS) live at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. YES recipients are children of those participating in ICS’s life advancement program. YES pays for sports fees, uniforms, after school enrichment programs, tutoring and technology in addition to other activities.

ICS tracks the number of children served, the number of requests that ICS was able to meet and the program or activitythat a child was able to engage in because of YES. ICS states they have limited capacity to conduct analysis on the effectiveness of programs andrelies on national benchmarks for measures of success.

icstucson.org

JA empowers young people to succeed in work and life by equipping them with essential skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA gives students the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for the future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices – delivered by volunteer mentors with hands-on, age-appropriate programs. Seventy two percent of Tucson area students served come from very low income families.

The JA program is a well known and reputable organization focused on career and financial literacy. In 2026 they are focusing on middle and high school students the critical years when decisions shape futures.

JA strives to prepare students for the workforce while motivating them to graduate high school, minimize drop out rates and maximize lifelong financial security. Key outcomes are to demonstrate an average knowledge gain of at least 20% at the conclusion of the program and demonstrate an understanding of critical financial literacy and workforce readiness. JA strives to have students demonstrate an understanding of critical financial literacy and workforce readiness fundamentals. These include saving, investing, career clusters, STEM careers, economics, paychecks, ethics in the workplace, taxes and needs versus wants.

jaaz.org

The programs at Literacy Connects coach children in reading and creative expression. Literacy Connects helps pair children reading below grade level with high school students in career and technical education programs. The Reading Seed initiative is unique among other one-to-one reading programs in that it takes a student centered strengths based approach with a focus on developing students’ identities as readers and learners.

This year, Literacy Connects requests support for their Reading Seed K-1 Loop program. If awarded a Grant, Literacy Connects will support the implementation and expansion of the Reading Seed K-1 Loop model, an innovative program that provides individualized mentorship and literacy coaching, along with the distribution of high quality, free books to every kindergarten student at targeted Title I schools.

By providing new quality and culturally appropriate books for the high school mentors to use in their sessions, and in turn mentors give the books to the mentees the next year. This process allows both the teens and the children to be engaged and interested. Literacy Connects will evaluate the Project through standardized test data of elementary school in the program, teacher surveys, and interviews with the high school interns. While long term outcomes are still being studied, initial results indicate strong potential for sustained literacy gains.

literacyconnects.org

Earn to Learn strives to empower low to moderate income students to achieve the dream of a post secondary education. The model is anchored by a matched savings scholarship program, serving to make college financially affordable. Nearly 40% of students at or below the poverty level who are accepted to Arizona’s public higher education institutions never enroll. Financial concerns as the single greatest factor in their decision. The Earn to Learn Financial Wellness Program and success coaching work together to help students access opportunities to get support Pell eligible students and access other valuable resources.

SCCF funding will support coaching programs that assist students in building financial wellness, promote college readiness and provide workforce development training opportunities. Earn to Learn provides multiple resources to needy students so they can cover unexpected costs that might contribute to students dropping out. Earn to Learn needs funding to maintain or expand their coverage in the upcoming year.

Earn to Learn uses an electronic management system to track, monitor and report student outcomes. This data management system enables them to measure and evaluate funding sources, monitor participant activity and savings, and to track services and referral.

earntolearn.org

MWFB’s mission is to promote early literacy in limited resource areas of Southern Az by providing children (birth – 5 years) with an opportunity to fall in love with books and reading. By utilizing Story School twice per week, a multi-generational model, whereby children and parents learn together simultaneously, both gaining critical skills.

MWFB utilizes the SCCF funds to maintain and grow their reach for disadvantaged children. They incorporate programs that help people get on track and stay on track and take advantage of educational opportunities. The goal of MWFB in 2026 is to provide early literacy skills, resources and tools for 500 unduplicated children by June 2027. Families that enroll in Story School have the opportunity to receive high quality, culturally responsive children’s books to build their home library. Additionally through the bilingual MWFB app, families are engaged in evidence based early literacy and related STEM activities.

Anticipated outcomes, based on those reached in prior years are: At least 90% of children in the program will gain emergent literacy and language skills; at least 90% of children will develop positive approaches to learning; at least 90% of parents / caregivers will gain the skills to share books more effectively; and, at least 90% of parents will gain strategies to encourage their children’s curiosity through hands on play and STEM learning.

makewayforbooks.org

The mission of OFS is to eliminate homelessness and strengthen our community. They do this by pairing housing interventions with wraparound support (case management, life skills, parenting, and educational / employment resources). The “Our Family Youth Housing Program” is designed for teens and young adults (12-24) experiencing homelessness. Their programs seek to intervene early in the lives of teens experiencing homelessness or housing instability with safe housing and support.

OFS provides a robust array of programs which includes rent and utility assistance, intensive case management, increased access to medical and behavioral services via service linkages, assistance with locating job training and employment opportunities. Funding also supports their Reunion House – a 20 bed temporary crisis shelter.

In 2026, OFS is focused on reaching 1,000 youth / young adults through Safe Place outreach. Program effectiveness is measured by the following outcomes. This year they are focused on reaching 1000 youth/young adults and making 1600 contacts with street outreach, and helping more than 500 youth escape homelessness. Reunion House plans to provide 1500 bed nights of shelter as well as food, clothing and hygiene items. Program effectiveness is measured by the following outcomes: 100% of youth will receive emergency services and have their basic needs met while in the shelter program; 85% of teens will be enrolled in school within the first 3 days of arrival at Reunion House; and, 80% of youth will transition to safe and stable living.

ourfamilyservices.org

CCS mission is to strengthen children, adults and communities by providing help, creating hope and serving all. Providing services such as tutoring, homework support, cultural learning, mentoring, life skill learning and gang / drug prevention, they provide a safe space during at-risk hours.

CCS is proposing the expansion of services to include STEAM centered academic enrichment activities and field trips during school closures / teacher service/ school breaks. The staff will receive additional training to create a conducive environment for STEAM education.

CCS will provide the STEAM educational opportunities. The following are some of the expected outcomes: STEAM educational opportunities during no school /school breaks for 100 days per year; 120 children will engage in STEAM opportunities and field trips; 90% will be able to identify STEAM education and show an increase in knowledge. Sign in sheets to track participation and activity; 90% will show an increase in interest to pursue STEAM education beyond this project (identified by surveys); 90% will show an increase in critical thinking, socialization and /or academic success (identified by surveys to parents.); An identifiable decrease in disciplinary action and delinquency (identified by surveys.)

ccs-soaz.org

PA’s mission is to be the leading provider of vital onsite health, education, and employment services to families, children and seniors living in affordable and workforce housing communities. They operate family resource centers in low to moderate income communities to help cultivate strong communities, positive changes and hopeful futures.

PA’s programming for this project called, “Education for Youth and Families Program” is guided by evidence-based models of programs that combat the detrimental effects of poverty on youth education. Their free year round program provides a safe place to receive 1:1 tutoring, a healthy snack, connection with peers, homework assistance and a wide variety of enrichment experiences. PA also incorporates after-school and summer programs, college and career readiness, Tween / teen club, teen leadership programs and STEAM activities.

In 2026 PA expects to serve 620 youth in 7 affordable housing communities. Given past program success, they anticipate achieving the following: 90% will report increased knowledge of college / trade schools opportunities, career options, eligibility requirements and financial aid options; 80% will participate in their after school program, leading to improved academic performance and community engagement; 85% of participants will increase knowledge of college/trade school and financial aid options.

project-access.org

Saavi cultivates growth and opportunity for blind people through non-visual skills training, demonstrating that all challenges have solutions while fostering self-efficacy through empowerment and confidence. Braille literacy is of particular importance to children who are blind, but studies have shown that only 8.5% of blind persons between ages 4 and 21 identified as Braille readers. Saavi’s REAL program (Reaching Empowerment Through Achievement and Learning) sets high expectations for success and teaches needed skills.

Saavi conducts assessments and subsequent individualized REAL education plans. REAL matches mentors who are blind with children adjusting to blindness and provides additional intensive one on one tutoring and mentoring and also small group instruction after school and on Saturdays. One unique aspect of the REAL program is that instructors work with siblings and parents to teach them alternative skills in blindness.

Continued funding from SCCF will enable Saavi to provide 350 hours of STEM instruction. Students will receive instruction using tactile graphics, raised – line drawings/kits, and hands-on graphic construction tools. Saavi will measure effectiveness using processes and programs such as: Pre and post assessments that document gains in math and science comprehension, braille and tactile literacy use, and independent problem solving, homework completion rates, grade monitoring, instructor progress notes, attendance records, instructional hours delivered and student progress tracking in targeted STEM skills.

saavi.us

San Miguel HS exists to educate students with limited economic resources and create a learning community where those students have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, regardless of religious affiliation. At San Miguel, students take a full college preparatory course load while simultaneously holding internships, working in corporations and earning school tuition. San Miguel has utilized a unique system of mentoring and counseling throughout the education process, even assisting graduates in college if necessary. Graduation rates are 99%.

Funds granted by SCCF will be used for the following activities: Use of Naviance software (applying for colleges and scholarships); Transportation and meal cards for 8 college trips; Support for alumni in college (e.g. care packages, emergency funding); Standardized test prep and testing; 100% application celebration; Decision day celebration.

The following are some of the outcomes that are expected every year: Every student applies to several colleges / universities; Collectively the senior class will receive a minimum of 2 college acceptances and a 100% acceptance rate; Every student will complete and apply for at least 2 scholarship applications and collectively earn $2.5 million in financial aid; Increase college graduation to above 45% through graduate support efforts.

sanmiguelhigh.org

SARSEF works in classrooms and online providing hands-on activities challenging students to investigate real life problems, building critical thinking and problem solving skills in K-12 levels. In 2024-25, SARSEF served over 34,000 students, 1000 teachers, 2400 caregivers across 196 schools. SARSEF partners with Title I schools and community partners in serving students in historically marginalized populations.

SARSEF programs, held in and outside of the classroom directly connect students with STEM learning and skills. Funding requested will support an additional year of Public Allies serving with SARSEF to continue outreach and direct STEM service delivery. Public allies provide essential capacity to engage schools and community partners, coordinate volunteers and support program implementation.

SARSEF uses participation, engagement and feedback data collected across outreach and direct service activities supported by Public Allies. Measures include the number of students, teachers and caregivers reached through in-school, out-of-school and community-based programs, service hours coordinated and the frequency and reach of outreach events.

sarsef.org

STEP educates and empowers low income students with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to successfully transition to college and attain a 4 year degree. STEP serves 300 low income high schoolers each year, 70 of whom are from the Tucson area. STEP provides wilderness leadership expeditions designed to increase students’ confidence, independence and sense of personal responsibility. STEP also has a comprehensive, multi year College Prep Program to guide low income students through all aspects of the college preparation and application process. The STEP students participate in monthly workshops and 1:1 advising sessions on topics such as college readiness, test preparation, financial aid and mental health. STEP sophomores are introduced to Arizona state universities and top ranked schools nationwide. Juniors and seniors also participate in targeted specific programs to help them make the best choice on college selection and financial aid.

The STEP College Prep Program gives students from low income and underrepresented communities the tools they need to close Arizona’s postsecondary educational attainment gap. Students are provided extraordinary resources to prepare and select their college. The STEP application did not specify exactly how the SCCF grant would be utilized.

The STEP application did not list specific new expected outcomes, but did list the following expectations: 95% of program graduates are in college or have earned a college degree; FAFSA completion rate of 100%; 50% of STEP graduates have enrolled in highly selective schools and are able to meet their full financial aid need.

stepexpedition.org

SB is a research based, practical, positive and proactive framework for creating environments in which children can learn, grow and succeed. In 2014 SB opened the Las Puertas Community school. Las Puertas serves children in grades 6-10 living in the most under-resourced communities in Tucson. (47% Mexican, 38% Native). 100% qualify for free lunch.

Las Puertas’ tutoring program provides the following services for grades 6-10: 1:1 tutoring; Intervention/ Plus classes for students needing additional assistance; and Plus classes for more advanced learning; Virtual programs for teens who have dropped out of school but want to earn 9th and 10th grade credits towards their high school diploma; and Career exploration.

SB quarterly benchmark test results show greater growth in grades since instituting the tutoring program. They are seeing fewer behavioral issues, suspensions due to behavior and calls to parents. They will continue to monitor academic progress and the effectiveness of tutoring based on quarterly benchmark tests.

strengthbuilding.org

The Edge School (2 campuses) serves high school students with substantial credit deficiencies. 60% of students who enroll at Edge have math skills at the 6th grade level or lower, and English Language Art skills at 7th grade or lower. Arizona has the 4th highest drop-out rate in the country so it is clear that additional support or attention is needed.

Continued investment in the “Stay in School Program” which focuses on reducing barriers in students’ lives related to mental health that will allow them to continue their education. This program includes: Identification of barriers to education; Connection with an on campus social worker; Daily monitoring of student’s attendance (plus home visits for students with recurring absences); and Support counseling and crisis counseling intervention.

Programs are evaluated through outcome based evaluation model which measures the following – quantitatively and qualitatively: Number of students per counselor; Continued enrollment and attendance; Less than 20% absenteeism; Feedback surveys by educators; Observation of engagement in activities; and Participation in partner agency programs.

edgehighschool.org

The Tucson Youth Leadership Academy (TYLA) is a free program for high school students in Title I schools. They equip students with leadership training, career readiness and mentorship, helping them discover their strengths and pathways to success.

TYLA focuses on proven personal development assessments with interactive workshops, mentoring and an eight hour job shadowing experience. The program’s outcomes, as listed below, demonstrate lasting impact.

Measurable outcomes include the following: 94% of graduates report increased confidence in their leadership abilities; 92% feel more prepared to pursue higher education or career goals; and, 87% gained a clearer understanding of their career interests and pathways.

greatertucsonleadership.org

VIVA PIMA has a mission that states “be a vital resource to foster a thriving community.” It is supported by volunteers and funded through a Thrift Store, grants, and community donations. They provide new school clothes, through their VIVA PIMA! KIDS. Other programs supply household essentials, books to school libraries and backpacks.

The focus for this grant is for the school clothes program, which provides clothes to approximately 5300 students. VIVA PIMA has provided for designated shopping days where each child can choose $125 worth of school clothes and supplies.

Post clothes / supplies acquisition. Questions pertain to increased participation in class and enhanced engagement with peers. Responses indicate a 95% positive rate. Other measures are taken to impact outcomes such as: periodic roundtable meetings and an internal program evaluation process.

vivapima.org

YOTO exists to help address barriers and mitigate the impact of homelessness on students’ education and support high school graduation. YOTO serves youth in grades 6-12 who attend school in Pima County. They operate in 100+ middle and high schools across Pima County.

Through the YOTO Program each year participants can receive earned academic stipends up to $350/month (based on several factors such as attendance, housing). Guidance is provided by a fully bilingual team of Program coordinators led by a licensed social worker. Services are free to participants and are designed to help meet youth’s basic needs so they can focus less on housing instability and more on school success. YOTO students may obtain material assistance including food, clothing, school supplies and hygiene items at no cost from the YOTO mini mall. SCCF funding will directly support 120 unique YOTO youth, and possibly many more. In 2025, 271 seniors graduated achieving an 89% graduation rate.

YOTO is focused on student’s consistent attendance and ability to maintain passing grades. The YOTO Program has 13 program targets related to service delivery and youth engagement that are measured and reported regularly (monthly or quarterly). A partial list of Program objectives for 2026 include: Goal of <10% dropout rate; 70% of youth have achieved an 85%+ monthly school attendance record; 30% of youth who missed a stipend re engaged the following month; 80% of youth have submitted for stipends each month.

yoto.org