When Ke’Lize joined Keys to Success (KTS) last November, she was at a crossroads — without a job and missing vital documents like her birth certificate and social security card — like so many other youth in foster care. A high school student with dreams of attending college, she was uncertain about her future direction. Enrolling in KTS opened up a world of opportunities, providing her with the services and resources needed to ignite her journey forward.
Exploring Opportunities
Partnering with her career development specialist (CDS), Ke’Lize dove into exploring in-state colleges, leveraging resources like Bridging Success and Fostering Success to find her perfect fit. With guidance, she navigated the college application process and discovered her ideal school: Northern Arizona University (NAU). Her hard work paid off as she secured the AFFCF scholarship along with additional scholarships from NAU.
Comprehensive Support
But the support didn’t stop with navigating how to get to college. Ke’Lize also received a dorm set-up gift card from AFFCF, ensuring she had everything she needed for her new living space. The KTS team assisted her in acquiring her essential documents and arranged driving lessons through Stop and Go Driving School, ultimately leading to her earning a driver’s license. To further support her journey, Ke’Lize landed a job at Footprints Center through a partnership with KTS and AZ Youth Force, providing her with valuable work experience.
A Bright Future
Ke’Lize’s story is one of resilience and determination. She graduated high school in May and is now thriving at NAU. With her unwavering positivity and determination, there’s no doubt she’ll achieve the ambitious goals she has set for herself!
Make a Meaningful Difference
Supporting Keys to Success through the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit is a powerful way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth like Ke’Lize. By contributing, you directly fund essential programs and services that help young people in foster care transition smoothly into adulthood. Because AFFCF is a Qualifying Foster Care Organization, your donation can earn you a credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $1,173 for married couples and $587 for individuals.
Your contributions to AFFCF provide critical support such as educational resources, job training, and life skills development, ensuring these young individuals have the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. Your support can transform lives, giving youth aging out of foster care the chance to thrive and succeed. Give today!