Author: Isabel Esquivel
EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA APPLAUDS SENATE REVISIONS TO THE PELL PROGRAM, URGES HOUSE MEMBER SUPPORT
Recently, Education Forward Arizona joined more than 170 organizations across the nation in urging Congress to reject cuts to Pell Grants, need-based federal aid for college tuition, and instead increase investments in this cornerstone student assistance program that thousands of Arizona students rely on...
Supporting a Budget that Makes Sense for Education and Workforce Readiness
In the early hours of Friday, June 20, the Arizona Senate passed a budget for FY2026 and then adjourned. This was the product of bipartisan collaboration and negotiations between the Senate and Gov. Katie Hobbs. Critically, it includes funding for select programs that Education Forward Arizona has prioritized...
GEAR UP, TRIO, and Head Start: Federal Education Programs Serving Arizona Students and Families
Proposed cuts from the federal government for fiscal year 2026 have drawn attention to three long-standing federal programs: GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), TRIO, and Head Start. These programs have long been important in supporting low-income, first-generation, and rural students, particularly in states like Arizona, where underinvestment in education has […]
Federal Disruptions Threaten Arizona’s Education Progress and Economic Future
In a moment where stability is needed more than ever, federal policy changes are creating instability and confusion across the education landscape—and Arizona students and families could face some of the steepest consequences. A series of executive orders and proposals from the administration could undermine critical federal education programs, disrupting the systems that students and […]
Understanding Arizona’s Proposition 123: Past, Present, and Future
Understanding Arizona’s Proposition 123: Past, Present, and Future Arizona’s Proposition 123 has played a substantial role in funding K-12 education since its passage in 2016. As the measure nears its expiration in June 2025, discussions about its renewal and potential reforms are at the forefront of state politics...
Education Forward Arizona Hosts Annual Etiquette Dinner to Support Student Professional Development
Education Forward Arizona recently hosted its second annual Etiquette Dinner at Metro Tech High School. This special event provided more than 30 scholarship recipients with a valuable opportunity for professional development, networking, and hands-on etiquette training...
The Stakes Are High: Why Head Start Matters Now More Than Ever in Arizona
Why Now: Protecting a Critical Resource for Arizona Families As Arizona families continue to face economic pressures and access to early childhood programs remains uneven, especially in rural communities, Head Start has never been more essential. At the same time, recent federal staffing cuts threaten the very support systems that help these programs succeed...
Education Forward Arizona Calls on Federal Leaders to Demand Clarity on Department of Education Plans, Protect Arizona Students
Phoenix — Dismantling the Department of Education (DoE), despite its shortcomings, does nothing to support students. Increasing positive outcomes for students must always be our first priority – it’s what creates a better future for all of us...
Arizona Education Progress Meter 2025 Updates
Education Forward Arizona, in partnership with Center for the Future of Arizona, recently released its annual update for the Arizona Education Progress Meter. This nonpartisan data tool is used as a guide to show the growth needed to reach our state’s Achieve60AZ goal based on eight key indicators spanning early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education...
2025 State of the State: Addressing Gov. Hobbs’ Education Agenda
On Monday, January 13, Gov. Hobbs presented her third State of the State address, outlining her vision for Arizona and her legislative priorities for 2025. Gov. Hobbs stated that “public education is the key to opportunity” and “success means outstanding teachers in every classroom...