2025-08-29T13:19:14-05:00 2024-12-31 341884125 CBIZ ADVISORS LLC 4722 N 24TH ST STE 300 PHOENIX AZ 85016 990 2024-01-01 202366755 EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA EDUC 6026361850 4747 N 32ND ST SUITE 150 PHOENIX AZ 85018 RICH NICKEL PRESIDENT & CEO 6026361850 2025-08-21 1 1 KRISTEN M BASS P01247587 6022646835 2025-08-21 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z RICH NICKEL 4747 N 32ND ST SUITE 150 PHOENIX AZ 85018 13042176 0 X EDUCATIONFORWARDARIZONA.ORG X 2005 AZ ADVOCATE FOR AND ACT ON EDU. IMPROVEMENTS THAT ADVANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ARIZONANS 17 16 72 16 0 0 5894596 6801293 134297 116560 237649 358324 0 0 6266542 7276177 2133540 2648911 0 0 3141938 3588225 0 0 345338 1944111 1848759 7219589 8085895 -953047 -809718 20694562 20515483 1950489 1969000 18744073 18546483 X TO ADVOCATE FOR AND ACT ON EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS THAT ADVANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ARIZONANS. 0 0 6548018 2648911 116560 EDUCATION IS THE FUNDAMENTAL DRIVER OF A MORE ROBUST ARIZONA WORKFORCE AND ECONOMY AND OUR BEST LEVER FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ARIZONANS. TO MOVE ARIZONA FORWARD, WE MUST MOVE EDUCATION FORWARD. TO ACHIEVE THIS VISION, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA ADVOCATES FOR AND ACTS ON EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS THAT ADVANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ARIZONANS. OUR APPROACH TO FULFILLING THIS VISION AND MISSION IS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN QUALITY EDUCATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ADVANCE EDUCATION POLICY AND SUPPORTS THAT IMPROVE EDUCATION OUTCOMES FOR ALL STUDENTS IN ARIZONA. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O) 6548018 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 1 72 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 17 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 X RICH NICKEL PRESIDENT & CEO 6026361850 4747 N 32ND ST SUITE 150 PHOENIX AZ 85018 RICH NICKEL PRESIDENT & CEO 40.00 X X 275341 0 23975 RON BUTLER VICE CHAIR & TREASURER 0.25 X X 0 0 0 JOHN FEES DIRECTOR & CHAIR 0.25 X X 0 0 0 SHELLEY MELLON DIRECTOR & SECRETARY 0.25 X X 0 0 0 TRACY BAME DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 TENIQUA BROUGHTON DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 DR DANIEL CORR DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 JASON COOCHWYTEWA DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 GONZALO DE LA MELENA DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 KATE HICKMAN DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 EDMUNDO HIDALGO DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 CHEVY HUMPHREY DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 PAUL KOEHLER DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 VINCE ROIG DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 DEANNA SALAZAR DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 SCOTT VANDERPOOL DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 SHELLEY WATSON DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 TERESA L RUIZ SR VP, CHIEF PROGRAM & ADV 40.00 X 152770 0 8690 DIANA FIGUEROA SR VP MARCOMM & STRATEGIC 40.00 X 149500 0 8491 TEENA OLSZEWSKI SR VP & CHIEF OF STAFF 40.00 X 148000 0 8382 725611 0 49538 4 0 1 0 COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION GROUP 1029 VERMONT AVE NW 9TH FLOOR WASHINGTON DC 20005 COMMUNICATION CONSULTING 400000 EQUAL MEASURE 520 WALNUT STREET 1450 PHILADELPHIA PA 19106 CONSULTING 135620 FAIRBANK MASLIN MAULLIN METZ ASSOC 1999 HARRISON STREET SUITE 202 OAKLAND CA 94612 CONSULTING 127500 3 312460 554404 5934429 6801293 SUCCESS SERVICES FEES 611710 103600 103600 AZCAN & TRAINING PROGRAMS 611710 12960 12960 116560 320460 320460 5713692 5675828 37864 37864 37864 90171 312460 90171 0 7276177 116560 0 358324 76500 76500 2572411 2572411 299316 191752 87444 20120 2632501 1686469 769075 176957 117681 75390 34380 7911 316187 202560 92373 21254 222540 142567 65014 14959 461690 461690 41835 41835 1354 1354 39248 39248 146804 110488 8231 28085 150307 141943 6737 1627 367152 321828 30209 15115 15222 15222 70886 66623 3370 893 21242 21242 18947 12605 6342 PARTNERING EXPENSES 286745 286745 RECIPIENT SEMINARS 112862 112862 OTHER FUNDRAISING EVENT 54889 54889 MEMBERSHIP DUES 24300 24300 35276 23467 8281 3528 8085895 6548018 1192539 345338 3027555 3188051 6856351 6916779 3576025 2813636 172367 165514 55416 63738 119277 81634 58885 37643 6915963 7290622 32000 39500 20694562 20515483 268577 170888 1681912 1798112 1950489 1969000 X 6156832 6261420 12587241 12285063 18744073 18546483 20694562 20515483 -809718 607851 4277 0 X 0 1 X 1 0 X 4536764 5113401 9011579 5894596 6801293 31357633 134158 126360 26733 197670 206731 691652 4670922 5239761 9038312 6092266 7008024 32049285 2373 11588 16131 28347 25678 84117 0 2373 11588 16131 28347 25678 84117 31965168 188247 155135 150589 255534 320460 1069965 188247 155135 150589 255534 320460 1069965 73 73 4859242 5394896 9188901 6347800 7328484 33119323 0.96520 0.96230 0.03230 0.03430 X SCHEDULE A, PART III, LINE 12, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 73. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1354 1354 8084541 8085895 554295 138574 0 0 437228 458244 510979 554295 1960746 2941119 58655 44856 21525 1354 126390 109307 114561 127745 138574 490187 735281 36027 44856 21525 1354 103762 6725291 698955 335300 7088946 6363611 681580 319900 6725291 8308207 -869599 324997 750000 6363611 7987903 1249006 178702 750000 8308207 8593101 500302 355500 750000 7987903 0.00000 0.84759 0.15241 0 0 119277 81634 37643 37643 X 8265668 607851 420888 1028739 7236929 39248 39248 7276177 8463258 416611 416611 8046647 39248 39248 8085895 PART V, LINE 4: THE ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE HELD AS INVESTMENTS. THE EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENTS ARE HELD FOR SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS AND COLLEGE SUCCESS SERVICE EXPENSES. THESE EXPENSES INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL AND PEER MENTORING, AS WELL AS TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM COSTS. PART X, LINE 2: THE ORGANIZATION QUALIFIES AS A TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ("IRC") AND, ACCORDINGLY, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION QUALIFIES FOR THE CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION DEDUCTION UNDER SECTION 170 OF THE IRC AND HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS NOT A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION. INCOME DETERMINED TO BE UNRELATED BUSINESS TAXABLE INCOME WOULD BE TAXABLE. THE ORGANIZATION EVALUATES ITS UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS, IF ANY, ON A CONTINUAL BASIS THROUGH REVIEW OF ITS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, REVIEW OF ITS REGULAR TAX FILINGS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH OUTSIDE EXPERTS. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023, MANAGEMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS EXIST. THE ORGANIZATION'S FEDERAL RETURN OF ORGANIZATIONS EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX (FORM 990) FOR 2021, 2022, AND 2023 ARE SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY THE IRS, GENERALLY FOR THE THREE YEARS AFTER THEY WERE FILED INSPIRED 402631 312460 90171 90171 402631 312460 90171 90171 90171 0 1 GLOBE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 460 N WILLOW STREET GLOBE AZ 85501 GOVERNMENT 6000 0 COLLEGE KNOWING & GOING 1 SCHOLARSHIPS 601 2572411 N/A N/A PART I, LINE 2: GRANTS ARE AWARDED ON A SEMESTER-TO-SEMESTER BASIS. AN AWARDEE MUST MEET TWO TIMES PER SEMESTER WITH A STAFF COACH/MENTOR, MEET A GPA REQUIREMENT BY PROVIDING THEIR TRANSCRIPT AND PROVIDE THEIR MENTOR WITH A CLASS REGISTRATION SCHEDULE FOR THE NEXT SEMESTER. IF AT ANY TIME AN AWARDEE IS NOT CURRENT IN THEIR REQUIREMENTS, FUNDING MAY BE WITHHELD OR WITHDRAWN. X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 RICH NICKEL PRESIDENT & CEO 248184 0 20000 0 7157 0 13500 0 10475 0 299316 0 0 0 TERESA L RUIZ SR VP, CHIEF PROGRAM & ADV 148270 0 4500 0 0 0 7638 0 1052 0 161460 0 0 0 DIANA FIGUEROA SR VP MARCOMM & STRATEGIC 141000 0 8500 0 0 0 7475 0 1016 0 157991 0 0 0 TEENA OLSZEWSKI SR VP & CHIEF OF STAFF 139000 0 9000 0 0 0 7400 0 982 0 156382 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 7 BONUS PAYMENTS WERE MADE BASED ON MEETING ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS AND ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4A EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA (EDFORWARDAZ) IS A LEADING ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND EQUITY ACROSS ARIZONA. OUR VISION IS TO CREATE AN ARIZONA WHERE EDUCATION IS THE FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL PROSPERITY AND COLLECTIVE PROGRESS. BY ESTABLISHING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ELEVATING THE VOICES OF UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES, ALIGNING WELL WITH OTHER EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY EFFORTS WITHIN THE STATE, EDFORWARDAZ PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN SHAPING THE STATE'S EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE. OUR OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS ARE AS FOLLOWS: - DEVELOP OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STATEWIDE EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND GALVANIZE SUPPORT FOR IMPROVED OUTCOMES ON EDUCATION PROGRESS METER INDICATORS. - REACH THE STATEWIDE ATTAINMENT GOAL BY 2030, STARTING WITH EARLY LEARNING AND WORKING THROUGH AN ALIGNED P-20 CONTINUUM. - CLOSE OPPORTUNITY AND ACHIEVEMENT GAPS AT ALL LEVELS. - ADVOCATE FOR STATE-LEVEL FUNDING THAT IS ALLOCATED MORE INTENTIONALLY TO THOSE MOST IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. SUMMARY OF 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA CONTINUED ITS WORK IN 2024 TO CREATE A COHESIVE CASE FOR EDUCATION AND HOW IT BENEFITS ALL ARIZONANS, ALIGN KNOWLEDGE AND INTERESTS TO CREATE MORE EFFECTIVE APPROACHES AND INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY, AND BUILD PUBLIC AND POLITICAL WILL FOR DRAMATIC EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT. EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA STANDS AS A NONPARTISAN, UNITED AND TRUSTING VOICE OF EDUCATION IN ARIZONA TO FIGHT FOR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WE ALL WANT. ACHIEVING OUR GOALS REQUIRES A LARGE-SCALE EFFORT TO MOBILIZE THE EDUCATION SECTOR, BUSINESS LEADERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND THE PUBLIC TO DRIVE DRAMATIC EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT. OUR APPROACH INCLUDES PROVIDING DIRECT SERVICES TO REDUCE CHALLENGES AND MEET URGENT NEEDS OF STUDENTS TODAY AND LEADING ADVOCACY INITIATIVES TO UNITE STAKEHOLDERS, ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES, AND CREATE LASTING CHANGE FOR YEARS TO COME. EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA BEGAN 2024 WITH MOMENTUM DRIVEN BY THE BILLIONS TO GAIN ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT AND THE EXPANSION OF THE EVERYTHING TO GAIN CAMPAIGN, WHICH ACCELERATED OUR EFFORTS IN FOCUSING ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ACROSS THE STATE. WITH AMBITIOUS GOALS AND A FOCUS ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES, THE TEAM ACHIEVED NOTABLE IMPACT, EMPOWERING EDUCATORS, ENGAGING MORE ARIZONANS, AND DRIVING PROGRESS TOWARD ARIZONA'S ACHIEVE60AZ GOAL OF INCREASING EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT FOR A STRONGER ECONOMY. SPECIFICALLY IN 2024, PURSUING THE ATTAINMENT GOAL KNOWN AS ACHIEVE60AZ UNDER A STRATEGIC THEME OF "ATTAINMENT AMPLIFIED: DRIVING ACTION TOWARDS ACHIEVE60AZ", THE ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED AND FOCUSED ON THREE PRIORITY AREAS: 1. LEADING THE NARRATIVE: RAISING AWARENESS AND ELEVATING THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT THROUGH STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS. 2. ADVOCATING FOR EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY: SUPPORTING STUDENTS' SUCCESS VIA POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE GOALS. 3. BUILDING CAPACITY FOR IMPACT: STRENGTHENING INTERNAL SYSTEMS, FUNDRAISING, AND OPERATIONAL FOUNDATIONS. ACROSS THESE PRIORITY AREAS, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES: - DIRECTED MILLIONS IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUCCESS SERVICES, CELEBRATING OUR 1,000TH SCHOLAR GRADUATE, AND LAUNCHING A GROUNDBREAKING WORKFORCE INITIATIVE. - GREW THE EVERYTHING TO GAIN DIGITAL NETWORK BY ALMOST 5,000 INFLUENCERS, LEADERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. - CONDUCTED THREE IMPACTFUL PUBLIC OPINION POLLS, INFLUENCING THOUSANDS OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. - ASSISTED APPROXIMATELY 40,000 STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH FAFSA GUIDANCE AND TRAINED HUNDREDS OF COLLEGE ACCESS PROFESSIONALS. - IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING, DELIVERED OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT ("INSPIRED EVENING"), AND ADVOCATED FOR KEY POLICIES SUPPORTING ACCESS AND ATTAINMENT. WE ALSO ACHIEVED KEY PROGRAMMATIC SUCCESSES IN 2024, INCLUDING SCHOLARSHIP EXPANSION AND NEW INITIATIVES, STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES AND COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAMMING, MEMBERSHIPS, SUSTAINABILITY AND REVENUE GENERATION, AND NATIONAL AND STATE COLLABORATION ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF FAFSA COMPLETION ASSISTANCE. IN ADDITION, WE ACHIEVED FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL SUCCESS THROUGH SECURING OF NEW UNRESTRICTED FUNDS, EXCEEDING A MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FROM A KEY FUNDER, EXPANDING OTHER KEY PARTNERSHIPS, AND ACHIEVING ZERO AUDIT FINDINGS. BUILDING ON THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS PROVIDE A DEEPER LOOK AT OUR PROGRESS ACROSS PRIORITY AREAS, OUTLINING THE STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED AND THEIR IMPACT IN 2024. PRIORITY AREA: LEADING THE NARRATIVE: ELEVATING ATTAINMENT THROUGH STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 1. AMPLIFYING PUBLIC AWARENESS - CONDUCTED THREE STATEWIDE PUBLIC OPINION POLLS TARGETING DIVERSE ARIZONA DEMOGRAPHICS, REVEALING BARRIERS LIKE COST AND AFFIRMING STRONG SUPPORT FOR ACHIEVE60AZ. - DEVELOPED A MESSAGING FRAMEWORK SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM "COLLEGE" TO "EDUCATION AND TRAINING AFTER HIGH SCHOOL," LEADING TO A MEASURABLE INCREASE IN PUBLIC SUPPORT. - SPOTLIGHT: PUBLIC OPINION SHIFTED BY 10% IN 12 MONTHS, UNDERSCORING THE CAMPAIGN'S GROWING INFLUENCE. 2. ADVANCING STATEWIDE ADVOCACY - PARTNERED WITH BUSINESS, EDUCATION, AND PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS TO PRESENT THE CASE FOR POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT TO KEY DECISION-MAKERS, INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE. - GARNERED SUPPORT FROM LEGISLATORS THROUGH INITIATIVES LIKE THE STATE LEGISLATORS PLEDGE, AIMED AT SECURING COMMITMENT TO THE ACHIEVE60AZ GOAL IN 2025. - SPOTLIGHT: COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS SUCCESSFULLY POSITIONED EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AS A BIPARTISAN PRIORITY, ENGAGING LEADERS ACROSS SECTORS AND SECURING COMMITMENTS TO ADVANCE ACHIEVE60AZ 3. MAXIMIZING MEDIA IMPACT - SECURED FIVE OP-EDS IN MAJOR PUBLICATIONS AND DOZENS OF ARTICLES ACROSS NEWS OUTLETS, WITH MEDIA VISIBILITY VALUED AT $1.2M. - ORGANIZED PRESS CONFERENCES AND WEBINARS THAT FACILITATED DISCUSSIONS ON POLL FINDINGS, ATTRACTING SIGNIFICANT PARTICIPATION FROM STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC. - SPOTLIGHT: DIGITAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS GENERATED 1.4 MILLION IMPRESSIONS, DRIVING 6,000+ NEW VISITORS TO THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE AND THE NEWLY LAUNCHED EVERYTHINGTOGAIN.ORG. 4. BROADENING SOCIAL AND EMAIL ENGAGEMENT - RAISED AWARENESS OF THE EVERYTHING TO GAIN MESSAGE THROUGH HUNDREDS OF SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, ACHIEVING OVER 86,000 IMPRESSIONS AND 3,427 ENGAGEMENTS. - TARGETED EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS LED TO MORE THAN 800 NEW SUBSCRIBERS AND EXPANDED THE CONTACT LIST BY 4,500 IN EIGHT MONTHS. - SPOTLIGHT: EMAIL OPEN RATES EXCEEDED INDUSTRY BENCHMARKS, HIGHLIGHTING THE CAMPAIGN'S RESONANCE WITH STAKEHOLDERS. OVERALL IMPACT FOR THIS PRIORITY AREA: THE EVERYTHING TO GAIN CAMPAIGN AND BROADER COMMUNICATION EFFORTS SIGNIFICANTLY ELEVATED AWARENESS OF ARIZONA'S POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT IMPERATIVE. BY ALIGNING MESSAGING WITH PUBLIC SENTIMENT, ENGAGING CROSS-SECTOR LEADERS, AND LEVERAGING MEDIA OUTREACH, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA LAID A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE ADVOCACY AND POLICY INITIATIVES, ADVANCING THE STATE'S PROGRESS TOWARD ACHIEVING THE ACHIEVE60AZ GOAL. PRIORITY AREA: ADVOCATING FOR EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY: PRIORITIZING STUDENT SUCCESS IN LEGISLATIVE GOALS 1. CREATING A UNIFIED RESPONSE - CONVENED EXECUTIVE LEADERS FROM HELIOS, GPEC, ABOR, AND OTHER KEY ORGANIZATIONS TO FORM A COORDINATED RESPONSE TO STATE BUDGET SHORTFALLS, EXPLICITLY FOCUSING ON EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES. - THE COLLABORATIVE GROUP DEVELOPED A SHARED "CASE FOR ATTAINMENT," ADVOCATING FOR REINSTATEMENT FUNDING FOR KEY PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE ARIZONA PROMISE, DUAL ENROLLMENT, AND THE TEACHERS ACADEMY. - SPOTLIGHT: THE GROUP SECURED A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR'S TOP POLICY AND EDUCATION ADVISORS, ADVANCING DIALOGUE ON EDUCATION FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR 2025. 2. SUPPORTING LOCAL CAMPAIGNS - SUPPORTED THE PROPOSITION 486 CAMPAIGN IN MARICOPA COUNTY TO PROMOTE A MEASURE MODERNIZING COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDING AND SUPPORTED PROPOSITION 402 IN GRAHAM COUNTY TO ADDRESS LOCAL EDUCATION FUNDING NEEDS. - THESE MEASURES WERE SUCCESSFULLY APPROVED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER, SECURING CRITICAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN BOTH REGIONS. 3. ENGAGING POLICYMAKERS AND PARTNERS - COLLABORATED WITH THE GOVERNOR'S EDUCATION POLICY OFFICE AND KEY ACCESS PARTNERS TO INITIATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW ARIZONA PLAN FOR ATTAINMENT, SET TO LAUNCH IN 2025. EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA WAS ENTRUSTED WITH LEADING THIS EFFORT TO REBUILD TRUST AND MOMENTUM FOLLOWING STATEWIDE BUDGET CUTS. - PRESENTED KEY BUDGET CONCERNS AND POLICY PRIORITIES IN OVER 150 COMMUNITY MEETINGS, INCLUDING FIVE REGIONAL CONVENINGS, REACHING THOUSANDS OF ARIZONA EDUCATORS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND ADVOCATES. - SPOTLIGHT: NINE DISTINCT EDUCATION POWER HOUR WEBINARS ON KEY TOPICS LIKE HOW EDUCATION IS FUNDED IN ARIZONA DREW 900+ ATTENDEES, PROVIDING PARTICIPANTS WITH INFORMED ADVOCACY TOOLS AND STRATEGIES. 4. BUILDING ADVOCACY MOMENTUM - PRODUCED SIX EDUCATION EXPLAINERS AND ADVOCACY ALERTS, REACHING THOUSANDS OF ADVOCATES WITH ACTIONABLE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION FUNDING AND POLICY SOLUTIONS. - INCREASED AZCAN MEMBERSHIP FROM APPROXIMATELY 1200 TO 1400 INDIVIDUALS, ACROSS APPROXIMATELY 600 SCHOOLS. - SPOTLIGHT: ADVOCACY POSTS ON FAFSA COMPLETION AND DUAL ENROLLMENT RESULTED IN THOUSANDS OF IMPRESSIONS, ENGAGEMENTS AND SITE VISITS, EMPOWERING ADVOCATES TO INFLUENCE KEY POLICY DECISIONS. OVERALL IMPACT FOR THIS PRIORITY AREA: THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA LED A UNIFIED, STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO THE BUDGET SHORTFALLS THAT THREATENED CRITICAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. BY COLLABORATING WITH INFLUENTIAL PARTNERS AND GRASSROOTS ADVOCATES, THE ORGANIZATION HELPED SECURE CRITICAL LOCAL FUNDING AND ADVANCED DIALOGUE WITH POLICYMAKERS, LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE BUDGET IMPROVEMENTS AND POLICY CHANGES. PRIORITY AREA: BUILDING CAPACITY FOR IMPACT: STRENGTHENING OUR ORGANIZATIONAL FOUNDATIONS - WE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES THROUGH EFFORTS FOCUSED ON ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESSION PLANNING, ADVANCING REVENUE GOALS AND HOLDING EXPENSES BELOW PLAN WITH FINANCIAL INTEGRITY, ENHANCING DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING, OPTIMIZING IT INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SUPPORTING STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION. - SPOTLIGHT: THE ORGANIZATION PRESERVED CONTINUITY AND ENHANCED OVERSIGHT OF CRITICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS WHILE PRESERVING ZERO AUDIT FINDINGS OR INTERNAL CONTROL CONCERNS AS A SINGLE AUDITEE MANAGING FEDERAL GRANT REQUIREMENTS; RAISED SIGNIFICANT NEW FUNDING FOR UNRESTRICTED OPERATING SUPPORT (INCLUDING A FUNDRAISING EVENT THAT EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS), WHILE MEETING A MATCH REQUIREMENT FOR A KEY FUNDER (HELIOS EDUCATION FOUNDATION) AND THEREBY UNLOCKING $1M FOR FUTURE IMPACT; DEPLOYED NEW DATA VISUALIZATION TOOLS TO EMPOWER TEAMS TO FORECAST FUTURE NEEDS AND OPTIMIZE DECISION-MAKING; REDUCED RELIANCE ON EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS BY BUILDING INTERNAL EXPERTISE; AND USED GALLUP EMPLOYEE SURVEY DATA TO BOOST STAFF ENGAGEMENT, ENABLING GREATER CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS. OVERALL IMPACT FOR THIS PRIORITY AREA: THROUGHOUT 2024, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA FORTIFIED ITS ORGANIZATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, ACHIEVING GREATER FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, AND ENHANCED STAFF CAPACITY. WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION, THE ORGANIZATION IS WELL-POSITIONED TO DRIVE MEANINGFUL IMPACT IN ARIZONA'S EDUCATION LANDSCAPE IN 2025. PROGRAMMATIC HIGHLIGHTS AND RESULTS EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA'S STUDENT AND EDUCATOR FOCUSED PROGRAMMING REMAINED A VITAL PIECE OF THE ORGANIZATIONS MISSION TO INCREASE EDUCATION OUTCOMES AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ARIZONANS, AND A KEY PIECE OF THE SUSTAINABILITY MODEL FOR THE ORGANIZATION. IN 2024, WE SAW GROWTH IN ALL CONTINUING PROGRAMS, AND DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISE TO SYSTEMICALLY EVALUATE EACH PROGRAM FOR RELEVANCY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND IMPACT WHEN FACED WITH RENEWAL AND CONTINUATION DECISIONS. IN 2024 WE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROGRAMMATIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS, INCLUDING: 1. SCHOLARSHIP EXPANSION AND NEW INITIATIVES - AWARDED A RECORD 641 SCHOLARSHIPS, TOTALING $2.9 MILLION, INCLUDING 300+ FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS FUNDED BY THE FREEPORT-MCMORAN NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. - LAUNCHED THE FIRST-EVER GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WITH A COHORT OF 15 STUDENTS. - PARTNERED WITH ALIENTO TO ADMINISTER THE UPDATED ADELANTE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. - SELECTED TO ADMINISTER THE $1M HELIOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. - RECEIVED APS COMMITMENT TO TRIPLE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING THROUGH DOE GRANT AWARD. - SPOTLIGHT: REACHED 1,000 SCHOLARS GRADUATED OVER THE PAST 19 YEARS, UNDERSCORING LONG-TERM IMPACT. 2. STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES AND COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAMMING - SUCCESSFULLY PROVIDED THREE UNIQUE STUDENT SUCCESS OPPORTUNITIES: THE LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM, ETIQUETTE DINNER, AND CAREER DAYS. - LAUNCHED A NEW MULTI-YEAR, $1.1M WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION PATHWAYS PARTNERSHIP WITH FREEPORT-MCMORAN TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS IN ARIZONA TO ADDRESS THE SKILLED WORKFORCE NEEDS OF FREEPORT BY PROVIDING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ALL EDUCATIONAL AND LIVING EXPENSES OF PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN ACADEMIC PROGRAMS. - RENEWED THE COLLEGE KNOWING AND GOING (CKG) PROGRAM GRANT THROUGH 2027, WITH A $3.4M GRANT, SUPPORTING COLLEGE RESOURCE TEAMS IN 30 HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS NINE COUNTIES AND FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 60 CKG AMBASSADORS. - CONCLUDED A THREE-YEAR AMERICORPS GRANT IN SEPTEMBER 2024, WITH OVER 23,000 HOURS OF SERVICE BY 48 AMERICORPS MEMBERS ACROSS 20 SITES AND 76 HIGH SCHOOLS. - SPOTLIGHT: ENGAGED NEARLY 40,000 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES STATEWIDE THROUGH ASK BENJI, A KEY RESOURCE FOR FAFSA COMPLETION AND COLLEGE ACCESS, INCLUDING A NEWLY LAUNCHED PILOT PROGRAM THAT PROVIDED COLLEGE AND CAREER NUDGES TO 6,000 HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS. 3. MEMBERSHIPS, SUSTAINABILITY, AND REVENUE GENERATION - INCREASED AZCAN MEMBERSHIP FROM 1,200 TO 1,400 MEMBERS, REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 600 SCHOOLS. - SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED THE COLLEGE ACCESS PROFESSIONAL (CAP) TRAINING FROM A "FREE" TO A "PAID" MODEL, REALIZING A NET INCOME OF $12,000 FROM AUGUST TO DECEMBER OF 2024. - DELIVERED ENHANCED CAP TRAINING TO 590 INDIVIDUALS, 300 FULLY COMPLETING THE PROGRAM. - SPOTLIGHT: AZCAN REMAINS A LEADER IN ARIZONA'S COLLEGE ACCESS FIELD, FOSTERING A GROWING NETWORK OF PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO IMPROVING STUDENT SUCCESS. 4. NATIONAL AND STATE COLLABORATION - COLLABORATED WITH THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, NCAN, ABOR, AND AZED TO BETA TEST THE 2025 FAFSA AND JUMPSTART FSA ID COMPLETION EFFORTS, POSITIONING ARIZONA AS ONE OF THE TOP 10 STATES IN FSA ID COMPLETIONS. - SPOTLIGHT: THESE COLLABORATIONS STRENGTHENED ARIZONA'S ROLE IN NATIONAL COLLEGE ACCESS INITIATIVES AND PROVIDED CRITICAL SUPPORT TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID PROCESSES. OVERALL IMPACT FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: THESE PROGRAMMATIC ACHIEVEMENTS DEMONSTRATE THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA'S INFLUENCE ON ARIZONA'S EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE. BY EXPANDING SCHOLARSHIPS, INNOVATING IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND FOSTERING NATIONAL COLLABORATIONS, THE ORGANIZATION DRIVES ACCESS TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, PROMOTES WORKFORCE READINESS, AND SUPPORTS LONG-TERM STUDENT SUCCESS. LOOKING AHEAD AS WE PREPARE FOR 2025 AND BEYOND, EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA IS POISED TO BUILD ON THESE ACHIEVEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION REMAINS STEADFAST IN ENSURING THAT EVERY ARIZONAN HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN THROUGH POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, ADVANCING THE ACHIEVE60AZ GOAL, AND MAKING A LASTING IMPACT STATEWIDE. EDFORWARDAZ HAS LAID A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY AND EQUITY IN ARIZONA, POSITIONING ITSELF AS A LEADING FORCE IN THE STATE'S EDUCATIONAL REFORM EFFORTS. THE ORGANIZATION'S ABILITY TO FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, ADVOCATE FOR POLICY CHANGE, AND ENGAGE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGH DIRECT SERVICES HAS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES. TO SUSTAIN THIS MOMENTUM, EDFORWARDAZ WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ITS PARTNERSHIP, DEEPEN ITS ENGAGEMENT WITH UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, AND EXPAND ITS INFLUENCE ACROSS THE STATE. BY CONTINUING TO REFINE ITS KEY STRATEGIES AND ADAPT TO ARIZONA'S EVOLVING EDUCATIONAL AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPE, EDFORWARDAZ WILL REMAIN A KEY DRIVER OF EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND ATTAINMENT. EDUCATION IS THE CORNERSTONE OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE SUCCESS IN A STATE AS DIVERSE AND DYNAMIC AS ARIZONA. EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA HAS EMERGED AS A PIVOTAL PLAYER IN THE MISSION TO ADVANCE EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND ATTAINMENT. FROM URBAN CENTERS TO RURAL COMMUNITIES, EDFORWARDAZ IS LEADING CHANGE AND FORGING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, ADVOCATING FOR IMPACTFUL POLICIES, AND ELEVATING THE VOICES OF THOSE WHO HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN UNDERREPRESENTED. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTNER WITH OR SUPPORT EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA, VISIT EDUCATIONFORWARDARIZONA.ORG OR EMAIL US AT INFO@EDUCATIONFORWARDARIZONA.ORG. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 IS PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND THEN REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT/CEO AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BEFORE IT IS FILED WITH THE IRS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND SIGN CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRES ANNUALLY. THE CEO AND TREASURER REVIEW AND APPROVE ALL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION ACCORDING TO THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WOULD BE DETECTED DURING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS. THE PROCEDURES STATED IN THE CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST POLICY WOULD BE FOLLOWED TO DEAL WITH ANY ISSUE ARISING. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEW EXTERNAL COMPENSATION/BENEFIT INFORMATION IN MAKING THE DETERMINATION EACH YEAR IF SALARY INCREASES ARE WARRANTED FOR THE PRESIDENT/CEO BASED ON PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT MAKE ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, OR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. IT MAY PROVIDE DOCUMENTS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. FORM 990 IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON GUIDESTAR OR UPON REQUEST.