Theory of Change
Our theory of change rests on the belief that providing youth with guidance, mentorship, resources and empowerment enhances their chances of pursuing a college education. We know that year-round structured programming that is focused on a well-defined path to college, significantly improves the educational outcomes of our target student population. Our programs instill a college-going mentality early on in a young person's life beginning in elementary school, continuing into high school, and into their undergraduate programs including internships and graduate school.
Our vision is of a community where the educational attainment gap is reduced for historically under-served students by changing their mindset that college is not necessarily just a dream, but an attainable reality.
The foundation has been supporting underprivileged youth for almost 20 years through access to technology, financial assistance, personal mentoring and guidance.
T.W. Lewis Foundation Support
T.W. Lewis Foundation established a multiyear challenge grant to enable Be A Leader Foundation to build system capacity and increase the quantity of major donors to this highly effective program. Through this challenge grant, Be A Leader Foundation was able to hire their first Chief Strategy Officer, who also happened to be a beneficiary of the foundation's programs and the first recipient of a college scholarship from Be A Leader Foundation.
Testimonial
"The Be A Leader Foundation has shown me the importance of being proactive about my future plans and goals for college. I am more prepared and focused now that I have been participating in workshops and Senior Boot Camp sessions. I am excited for college now because I have a team of people who believe in me and encourage me to accomplish my goals. I am grateful to Be A Leader for all their continuous support in ensuring that I attend college and set out to pursue my dreams."
Video
For every 100 high school freshmen in Arizona, only 9 will become university graduates.
Arizona ranks 43rd in the nation in % of high school students that go directly to college.
The Phoenix business community and the Be A Leader Foundation engage with underprivileged youth to help motivate these kids and build their self-esteem to help them reach their full potential.
