Phoenix—Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is excited to announce that it has received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These funds will support approximately 18 students in FBC’s Teen-to-Work program.

Teen-to-Work is a 5-week summer residential program on the campus of Arizona State University that prepares teens to join the workforce and to live independently. Students are given instruction in everything from how to write a resume to how to cook their own dinner.

“Thunderbirds Charities have been an amazing partner and have done so much to support our students’ success,” said Jared Kittelson, CEO of Foundation for Blind Children. “Across the country, 70% of blind adults are unemployed, but for FBC graduates, that number is now below 10%. Teen-to-Work is a huge part of that success.”

Thunderbirds Charities was established in 1986 as the charitable arm of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. Its purpose is to grant funds generated by 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 our communities.

Each year, Thunderbirds Charities solicits grant proposals that support at-risk youth and families, community outreach/quality of life, education, improving the lives of the physically and mentally challenged, or works to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, or poverty.

Foundation for Blind Children (FBC)

This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.