Today, Stand for Children Arizona announced they have been awarded a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. With this grant, Stand for Children Arizona will continue to expand 9th Grade On Track programming designed to support Arizona students during their crucial ninth grade year, setting them up to graduate high school on time and improve Arizona’s graduation rate.
Ninth grade has been described as one of the most important years for a student’s education. Research has found students finishing it on pace for graduation are “3.5 times more likely to graduate from high school in four years”. 9th Grade On Track programming increases graduation and on-track rates, reduces absenteeism, and increases career preparedness.
9th Grade On Track programs have been implemented at schools in the Phoenix Union, Mingus Union, and Tolleson Union school districts in Arizona. At Camelback High School, on-track rates have nearly doubled since the program was implemented in 2019.
“We are so honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau. “Arizona’s students need strong partners for their success, and that’s what Stand for Children Arizona does. We will continue to lead the effort to expand this vital programming to schools throughout the state and ensure Arizona’s students are given the best opportunity to succeed.”
This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.