Each year approximately 900 youth leave Arizona’s foster care system without families and the opportunities they need to help them succeed and achieve self-sufficiency. As a result, they are more likely than their peers to drop out of school, become parents before they are ready, experience homelessness, or end up in jail – costly consequences that affect us all.
To enroll in the Keys to Success program, youth:
The overarching goal of Keys to Success is to empower participants to make informed decisions about their future and build competencies that establish a foundation for career and life achievement.
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
FINANCIAL LITERACY
93%
% of youth pursuing secondary education demonstrated measurable skill gains, including improved grades, increased basic skills proficiency, or completion of at least three course credits
96%
Youth secured a job within 1 year of enrollment and 87% of youth retained employment for 30 days or longer
100%
% of participating youth who completed secondary education enrolled in postsecondary education, vocational training, or apprenticeships, or established a documented industry-specific career pathway.
99%
% participating youth who reported that KTS services have positively impacted their ability to achieve career and life goals
TEN YEAR IMPACT STUDY
The Arizona State University Morrision Institute for Public Policy conducted an independent review of the Keys to Success program and its impact on youth aging out of foster care.
There are different ways in which you can assist you transitioning from care to adulthood. Here are just a few:
Refer a Youth
To qualify for the program, youth must be between the ages of 16 and 26 and reside in either Maricopa, Pima or Yavapai County. You can submit your referral here.
Employ a Youth
Keys to Success continually seeks new employment and resource partners to help our youth achieve their goals. Contact Keys to Success employment services manager Julia Jones at [email protected] to find out how you can become a Keys to Success partner.
Support Our Work
Not only will your donation support our important work, but it may also qualify for a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit under the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit. Donate to AFFCF’s Keys to Success program at affcf.org/give.
“I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for your kindness and generosity. You have given me an opportunity I thought I would never have. Because of people like you, children like me are given an opportunity to experience a dream we never thought possible. I want to thank every single person from the bottom of my heart.”
– EMILY
“Upon being informed that there are programs such as the AFFCF Scholarship program to help with financing education, I was ecstatic to know that I would be able to afford to attend a university.”
– SIERRA
“Thank you for supporting my educational journey. Your support has been crucial in propelling me towards my goals and future career in helping others. I strive to be the best version of myself every day, inspired by your belief in me. With your support, I can empower others to realize their potential through hard work and perseverance.”
– JAZMYN
“There aren’t enough words in the world that I can put together that describe how grateful and honored I am to be awarded this scholarship. I can’t promise that my next two years are going to be easy, but I can promise that you chose just the right student who is driven, ambitious and powerful to be a Barbara Polk Scholar.”
– CHEYENNE P.
While in Keys to Success, I have accomplished so much… graduated high school, got a job, and now, going to college. Without Keys to Success, I wouldn’t be where I am today…a successful college student.
– AMBER
“I am truly blessed because of you that I am now able to go on a mission trip. I am truly lucky – some kids will never get an opportunity like this, but I am going because of your trust and generosity. I plan to change the world one day. I will not allow these bad circumstances bring me down. You are part of the change – the world deserves more people like you!”
– PATTI
“Thank you very much for what you guys are doing for kids that go into the foster system. I want to personally thank you guys for picking me up and helping me go to karate. Now I am a red belt and I’m two more belts away from black belt. It’s a gift that I’ve come a long way…my life is going good now.”
– JOSE
“This program has helped me by pairing me with mentors and coaches who have connected me to foster care advocacy programs and professionals in the community.”
– JESUS
“Keys to Success helped me see that my future can be great. Before I didn’t think I was going to graduate high school. Now I’m planning for a career in the medical field.”
– VICTORIA
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