keys to success (16-26)
As the largest and most impactful program of its kind in Arizona, Keys to Success addresses the unique needs and challenges facing
youth transitioning from foster care.
WHY KEYS TO SUCCESS?
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.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in the Keys to Success program, youth:
- Reside in Maricopa, Pima or Yavapai County
- Can participate if adopted or placed in legal guardianship after age 15
- Has reunified with biological family after age 14
- Must demonstrate a commitment to engage in the career development services provided by their Keys to Success team
- Must sign the youth participation agreement form that outlines expected commitments, responsibilities and behaviors.
Recommend a Youth to Keys to Success
WHAT WE DO IN ARIZONA
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.
THE 4 PILLARS OF SUCCESS
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
FINANCIAL LITERACY
2023 PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Served 350 unique youth across Maricopa, Pima and Yavapai Counties
81%
Youth gained basic skills or course credit to achieve high school completion
88%
Youth secured a job within 1 year of enrollment
80%
Youth completed GED, enrolled in post-secondary or vocational training
91%
youth reported increased money management skills
TEN YEAR IMPACT STUDY
KEYS TO SUCCESS IMPACT EVALUATION REPORT
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.
CHANGE THE STORY FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE IN ARIZONA
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 jjones@affcf.org 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/donate.
Join Us in Our Mission to Change the Story
“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