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Dear Friends and Supporters,
The first quarter of 2023 is off to a great start, and we are excited to provide an update on some of the things we've been working on – new programs, new community partnerships, and selecting scholarship recipients for the 2023/2024 school year.
At LEO Foundation, we believe that higher education is the key to unlocking opportunities for students of all backgrounds. This belief drives our everyday focus and commitment to make a measurable difference in student development, growth, learning, and well-being. Providing access to education as it becomes increasingly out of reach is why we exist.
Since 2000, the average amount students pay for tuition, fees, and room and board has increased by more than 59%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. As education and living expenses continue to grow, so does the request for help. With only two weeks left in the application season, we have already received over 1,000 applications from students with financial needs who hope an opportunity for higher education is in their future. And so, our work continues as a result of your generosity.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, whether it be a financial gift, following our work on social media, or keeping our students in your prayers. Together, we're making a difference; we're making dreams come true.
With Gratitude,
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Madeline Winney, Chief Executive Officer
Leo Foundation (formerly Grand Canyon Scholarship Foundation)
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Meet Caleb, a Grand Canyon University senior who will graduate next December with a double major in digital production with an emphasis in screenwriting and entrepreneurial studies.
When Caleb started his college journey, he knew it wouldn't be easy; he was working and putting himself through school, but he was determined to pursue his dreams and make his family proud.
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Caleb's goal is to work in the emerging Phoenix film industry, sharing untold stories, especially within his cultural and Hispanic heritage. "My passion for storytelling was forged by my crazy and beautiful Mexican family. Each member has in some way nurtured my fondness for stories and storytelling," says Caleb. | |
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As Caleb prepared to start school in his first year, he was thrilled to learn he would receive scholarship funding from the LEO Foundation and our scholarship donor partner, Arvizu Charities. The extra funding would make it possible for Caleb to focus on his studies and not worry about how to pay for classes, books, or even food. And, as he successfully completed each year, his scholarships were renewed.
For the past 30 years, the Arvizu Family has given Hispanic students over $600,000 in college scholarships.
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Years ago, Ray Arvizu received a scholarship to attend Grand Canyon University, where he played basketball for the school, leading them to multiple championship wins. Now, he dedicates his life to giving back.
With a passion for supporting the Hispanic community, the family sits on various boards, raises needed funding for a variety of projects, and donates supplies and funds to organizations throughout the Valley. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of their philanthropic activity is providing scholarships to those who need help, just like Ray did all those years ago.
"Without the generosity of people in my community who helped fund my education and get me through school, I wouldn't be where I am today. We are honored to assist Hispanic and minority students in pursuit of their degrees and schooling through the Arvizu Scholarship," said Ray Arvizu.
Caleb is one step closer to his dream
In January, Caleb and six other students attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, as a prize for winning the Bridges/Larson Foundation Screenplay Pitch Competition, a 90-second pitch idea for a short film, web series, or short documentary. Caleb will use the prize money to fund his project, telling the story of his great-grandmother, "Mamacita," in a short documentary film tentatively titled "Promesas Cumplidas" ("Promises Kept").
We'll be sure to share information about the film when it is released.
Click on the video below to hear Caleb's idea for the documentary film.
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The Arvizu Family Foundation is currently working with the LEO Foundation to award ten applicants scholarships for the 2023-2024 year. The scholarship presentation will occur at Arvizu's 30th Annual Cinco de Mayo event on May 7, 2023. We hope to see you down there! | | |
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Introducing Our New Foster Youth Scholarship Program | |
Did you know that Arizona has more than 11,000 children in foster care? Statistics also show that 800 young men and women age out of the system every year and find themselves in survival mode struggling to meet basic needs such as food and housing rather than planning for their future. Even worse, forty percent will become homeless within 18 months of aging out.
After learning about the unmet needs in this area, the LEO Foundation felt compelled to get involved. We are delighted to partner with the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation to provide support and access to educational opportunities for foster youth. Our program is designed to address the obstacles these kids face by providing scholarships that help cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, equipment, and room and board.
Our goal is to help 15 foster students for the 2023/2024 school year. We hope we can count on your support to make this happen!
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Arizona Gives Day
Mark your calendar and join us for Arizona Gives Day, April 4th. Every donation will be matched up to $50k and will go toward Foster Youth Scholarship Programs.
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Collaboration for Community Impact | |
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The LEO Foundation and its partner, Arizona Basketball Association, received three generous grants this month from BHHS Legacy Foundation. The funds will be used to support the following areas:
• Youth Development Academy, which focuses on youth educational and athletic programs enriched with coaching and mentorship elements;
• Scholarships for youth without financial means to pursue their higher-education goals;
• Section 7 basketball camp this June will host over 4,000 student-athletes and giveaway 5,000 basketballs to underserved populations, giving children access to free dental services.
We are incredibly grateful for these partnerships and look forward to sharing stories of impact in the next newsletter.
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1956 Convertible Ford Thunderbird brings in $30k in scholarship funding at Barrett Jackson | At the Barrett Jackson car auction in January, this beauty sold for $30k. The proceeds were donated to the LEO Foundation to benefit students who need help covering the financial gap for their college education. That’s $30k in scholarships! We thank our amazing and generous donors and board of directors, Jeff and Lori Lakes of Financial Solutions, who donated the car. Their dedication to our community and helping young adults achieve their dreams is truly inspiring! | | |
If you would like to join our mission and invest in future generations by supporting student leadership and educational opportunities through scholarships, mentoring, and athletic programs, please consider a gift in any amount. | |
LEO Foundation www.leofoundationusa.org
24 West Camelback, Suite A-407, Phoenix, Arizona 85013
Madeline Winney - mwinney@LEOFoundationUSA.org - 602.206.4465
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