Category: Education Explainer
Protecting Opportunity: Why the Federal Pell Grant Shortfall Matters for Students, Arizona, and Our Economy
For millions of students across the country and tens of thousands in Arizona, the federal Pell Grant is the foundation that makes accessing education and training after high school possible. As policymakers debate the future of federal funding for budget year 2027 (FY27), a growing budget shortfall in the Pell Grant program has raised serious […]
Arizona Education Progress Meter 2026 Updates
The latest Arizona Education Progress Meter data shows meaningful progress and important work ahead across our state’s education continuum. Most notably, Arizona’s postsecondary attainment rate has reached 50% (up 1 percent from the previous year), marking continued positive movement toward the state’s Achieve60AZ goal, where at least 60% of Arizonans will hold a postsecondary degree […]
Understanding the 2026 Proposed ESA Ballot Measures in Arizona
Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in postsecondary education, training, and the workforce. As Arizona voters prepare for the 2026 election, two different ballot measures are working to gather the approximately 255,000 signatures required to bring accountability to the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA or voucher) program...
SB1798 – Strengthening FAFSA Support in Arizona High Schools
On Tuesday, March 24, the Arizona House Education Committee will hear SB1798, which could improve postsecondary enrollment rates for high school graduates. If passed, the bill would encourage every Arizona public high school to designate a trained FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) lead and implement a comprehensive, schoolwide FAFSA awareness and completion support […]
The Governor’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget – What you need to know
On Friday, January 16th, 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs released her proposed FY 2027 budget. The Governor’s priorities align with Arizona voters’ values and Education Forward Arizona’s advocacy agenda, including ESA accountability, Proposition 123 renewal, K-12 investments and postsecondary education funding...
Arizona Literacy Plan 2030: Building Strong Readers and a Stronger Arizona
Literacy is the foundation of student achievement. When children read with fluency and comprehension, they can fully engage across subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Research consistently shows that students who do not reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade face significant barriers later in life...
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 […]
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...
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...
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...