Phoenix, AZ – June 12, 2025 — MentorKids USA is proud to announce it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its innovative iLEAD My Generation program—an intensive four-year high school leadership and mentoring initiative.
The iLEAD My Generation program (Leadership, Exploration, Academics, and Discovery) equips high school students in underserved neighborhoods with critical job training, academic support, and leadership development. A unique feature of the program is that students serve as paid mentors to younger children in MentorKids’ after-school and summer programs, helping them grow while gaining real-world skills and confidence.
“We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this generous investment in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “This funding will allow us to deepen
our impact and expand opportunities for students to become confident, capable leaders in their families and communities.”
Currently serving students in South Phoenix, North Phoenix (Palomino), South Scottsdale (Paiute), and Maryvale Promise Neighborhoods, iLEAD is transforming the lives of teens at high risk of becoming disconnected youth—those who are neither in school nor working. The program boasts strong outcomes in school attendance, academic achievement, and leadership development.
The $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will help sustain and grow the iLEAD My Generation program, ensuring students are supported on their journey toward high school graduation and a purposeful next step.
To learn more about MentorKids USA and the iLEAD My Generation program, visit
www.mentorkidsusa.org.
This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.