For the first time since March 2020, students in the AFFCF scholarship program have returned to campuses for their classes! It was a cause for celebration and as such, AFFCF held three start-of-the-semester dinners for our scholars: one in Scottsdale, one in Tucson and one in Flagstaff!
Representing Arizona
The dinner in Scottdale was attended by 15 scholars from Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University and the Maricopa Community Colleges. Eight students from the University of Arizona and Pima Community College attended the dinner in Tucson while three Northern Arizona University students attended the Flagstaff dinner.
The goal of the dinners was to wish the students a great start to the semester, meet new scholars and say hello to students we had not seen in some time. It also provided an opportunity for students to get to know each other and members of the AFFCF Board of Directors, scholarship committee and staff.
Making Connections
While everyone enjoyed the food, the dinners were about connection. Two students discovered they were in the same program at ASU, but their paths had never crossed because they are a year apart in their studies. Our scholars got to learn who had shared interests and upperclassmen offered advice about dorms and campus life with freshmen.
The dinners also included serious discussions about how to access healthcare and mental health services. Scholars also had the chance to provide AFFCF with feedback about the scholarship program and areas where they may need more support.
Supporting Success
Most young adults who aged out of foster care don’t graduate high school, let alone make it to college. The young men and women in AFFCF scholarship program have overcome great odds to get where they are today. In addition to financial support, the AFFCF scholarship program provides encouragement to students throughout the year.
You help AFFCF make a difference for the young men and women in our scholarship program. By making a foster care tax credit donation, you give these young students opportunities they might not receive elsewhere. Even better, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $500 for individuals and up to $1,000 for couples. Please consider a donation today!