PATHWAYS! September 2025
Back to School Celebration
Last month, we helped our teens return to school with confidence and supplies in hand. Thanks to our community partners, American Studios, Canes, Cox, and our generous individual donors, every teen left with a backpack filled with essential school supplies. Huge thanks to our volunteers from Desert Financial Credit Union and Cox for stuffing backpacks and making it all happen!
Celebrating Scholarship Recipients
At our annual Scholarship Breakfast in July, hosted by the NBA and Phoenix Mercury Foundation, we awarded $45,000 in scholarships to 15 outstanding youth pursuing higher education and training.
The continued growth of the scholarship program was made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners. We extend heartfelt thanks to The Ibis Foundation, The Dougherty Foundation, Jim and Mimi Dew, and Julie Johnson for their enduring support.
We were joined by Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington and the President & CEO of Casa por la Causa, Alicia Nuñez, who shared words of wisdom with our youth.
Every recipient is a testament to the power of transformation and the belief that education unlocks possibilities. Through our Young Adult program, we are honored to continue working alongside these young people as they pursue post-secondary education and enter the workforce. Read more about our scholarship awardees below.
Mentor Survey Results
Each year, we conduct third-party surveys to ensure our program is adapting to best serve our youth, families, and mentors. In this year’s mentor survey, we saw a 61% response rate and a 4.6/5 program rating. Mentors reported strong gains in key skills like building trust, offering consistent encouragement, and active listening. We saw a 61% response rate, a 4.6/5 program rating, and strong gains in key skills like building trust, offering consistent encouragement, and active listening.
Mentors praised our Program Coordinators, 99% felt validated, 97% found staff responsive, and 96% saw them as genuinely invested, and reported personal growth in navigating uncertainty and offering empathy without rushing to fix.
As one mentor shared, “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences and decisions I have made. I am extremely happy to be part of this program.” Read the blog for full highlights below.
Welcoming Our New VP of Philanthropy
On August 11, we were excited to welcome Scott Smith as our new Vice President of Philanthropy. Scott brings an impressive history of service in youth-focused organizations, including leadership roles at New Way Academy, Desert Voices Learning Center, and the national Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he facilitated celebrity wishes for children.
We’re thrilled to have him join our team and look forward to the impact we’ll create together as we continue to grow our philanthropy team. Learn more about Scott in our blog below.
Champions of Transformation is less than one month away! We will honor Ron & Robin Hilgart with the Wendell Cook Champion of Transformation award and Trout Camp with the Community Champion of Transformation award. We will also recognize the lasting impact of Chris Yakscoe that evening. Learn more about this evening of impact and get your tickets below.
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Upcoming Events
Champions of Transformation | Thursday, October 2nd
Our annual Champions of Transformation is on Thursday, October 2nd. We will celebrate the individuals like you who make our mission possible, get your tickets today to join this evening of impact.
Mentor Introduction Sessions | Multiple Dates
Learn all about the youth we serve, our program, and how we support mentors, along with the screening & commitment requirements and next steps to become a Level Up mentor.
Virtual: every Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and every Friday at 12 p.m.