New Pathways for Youth Receives $25,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities to Expand Level Up Academy in Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ — April 1, 2026
New Pathways for Youth is honored to announce we have been awarded a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support and expand our Level Up Academy program.
The Level Up Academy is a 10-week, school-based initiative designed to support underserved youth in Phoenix, particularly students facing multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and barriers such as homelessness, foster care involvement, or justice system involvement. Through evidence-based curriculum focused on goal setting, personal development, and college and career readiness, the Academy helps students build resilience and strengthen their vision for the future.
With Thunderbirds Charities’ investment, New Pathways for Youth will expand Level Up Academy to serve up to 140 students across several high-need schools, strengthening school engagement, graduation readiness, and long-term success.
“Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support New Pathways for Youth and Level Up Academy. By equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and support to overcome adversity, the program is helping students build brighter, more resilient futures,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities.
“Thunderbirds Charities has been a trusted partner we can count on since 2014, and we are deeply grateful for their continued belief in our mission,” said Karen Johnson, President and CEO of New Pathways for Youth. “Their long-standing support helps ensure that youth facing the greatest barriers have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to stay in school and build a future filled with possibility.”
Thunderbirds Charities, established in 1986, distributes funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open and supports organizations that assist children and families and improve quality of life across the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Get Involved
Level Up Academy is currently seeking volunteers who want to support youth in a school-based setting and be part of a program rooted in growth, connection, and possibility. Learn more here about Level Up Academy here.
About New Pathways for Youth: Founded in 1989, New Pathways for Youth is a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth experiencing poverty and adversity through the power of mentoring and evidence-based personal development programming. New Pathways for Youth is building a future where every young person can live with joy and purpose, confident in their ability to choose their own path. By providing long-term, relationship-centered support to youth and families, the organization helps young people build resilience, strengthen life skills, and create positive futures grounded in stability and opportunity. Since its founding, New Pathways for Youth has impacted more than 7,000 youth across the greater Phoenix community. Learn more at npfy.org.
About Thunderbirds Charities: Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 285 “life” members. For more information about The Thunderbirds or the 2027 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.