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.
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 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 NPFY: At New Pathways for Youth, we are building a future where every young person can live their life with joy and purpose, confident in their ability to decide their own path. To make it happen, we’re transforming the lives of youth by providing the support, stability, and skills they and their families need to flourish.
This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.