Growing Arizona’s College-Going Pipeline Through CKG Student Ambassadors
The College Knowing & Going (CKG) program, an initiative of Helios Education Foundation, is helping build a stronger college-going culture in high schools across Arizona. Led by Education Forward Arizona, the College Readiness Team Project takes a comprehensive, data-driven, and student-centered approach to preparing more students for postsecondary success.
Across 30 high schools, our CKG coordinators and partners work alongside school communities to create environments where administrators, counselors, teachers, students, families, and community members collaborate to ensure that students from low-income, first-generation, and underserved backgrounds graduate high school ready for college.
CKG student ambassadors are a critical part of that work. They help their peers complete college applications, apply for financial aid, and take confident steps toward life after high school, while also building their own leadership skills, deepening their college knowledge, and gaining experience as peer mentors and role models.
This year, 56 students are graduating as College Knowing & Going ambassadors. These students have spent the past year serving as peer leaders who supported their classmates through the college-going process. Each ambassador’s journey is different, but all gained valuable experience, support, and a platform to make a difference through CKG.
We’re proud to amplify their stories, the challenges they’ve overcome, the leadership they’ve shown, and the lasting impact they’ve made on their campuses.
Meet a Few of Our 2025 Graduating CKG Ambassadors
Adrian – Glendale High School
Adrian’s story is one of persistence, pride, and purpose. The son of two immigrant parents who speak little English, Adrian faced an uphill battle, but never let that stop him. He graduated in the top 1% of his class with more than $72,000 in scholarship offers and college acceptances from both ASU and UArizona.
As a CKG Ambassador, Adrian didn’t just work toward his own goals, he dedicated himself to helping others do the same. Whether showing up early for Coffee Chats or mentoring peers through the college application process, Adrian became a trusted source of guidance and hope for classmates.
“Students were coming to me for help,” he shared. “A year ago, I was just like them, asking others for advice. This program allowed me to become someone they could turn to.”
Adrian will attend Arizona State University in the fall and plans to study immigration law.
Salma Murguia
At just 15 years old, Salma Murguia left her home country to pursue a better education in the United States. She arrived without knowing English and worked tirelessly to rise to the top 3% of her class. Along the way, she became a CKG Ambassador, a leader in student government, and a trusted voice in her school community.
Her dedication and excellence were recognized with the prestigious Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship.
Yomaira Robles Santacruz – San Luis High School
This fall, Yomaira will attend Northern Arizona University as a Dorrance Scholarship Recipient, an honor awarded to only a select number of high-achieving, first-generation college students each year. Valued at more than $100,000, the scholarship recognizes not only her academic success but her leadership and commitment to service.
Yomaira plans to study Social Work, driven by a passion for helping others and making a difference in her community.
Olivia Zavala – Yuma High School
From leading on campus to volunteering in the community, Olivia Zavala made every moment of high school count. She served as President of both HOSA Nursing and Student Council, earned awards at the state level in SkillsUSA and HOSA competitions, and advocated for education funding on Capitol Hill.
Now a Certified Nursing Assistant, Olivia plans to attend the University of Hawai’i at Manoa to pursue a double major in Cellular & Molecular Biology and Microbiology on the pre-med track.
Marco Valdez – Pueblo High School
Born in the U.S. but raised in Sonora, Mexico, Marco moved to Tucson alone in 2022 to pursue a better education. The transition was difficult, but he never lost sight of his goals. He immersed himself in school life, took on leadership roles, and earned the Wildcat Tuition Award to attend the University of Arizona.
As a CKG Senior Ambassador, Marco led with courage and connection.
“This program helped me grow as a leader and step outside my comfort zone,” he said. “I want to use technology to solve real-world problems and inspire others to chase their dreams.”
Marco plans to major in Computer Science, with a growing interest in artificial intelligence.
Pamela Romero – Sunnyside High School
As a Junior Ambassador, Pamela Romero found her voice, and her confidence. What began as a challenge became an opportunity for growth as she supported classmates in their college exploration.
“This program gave me the space to become the person I’ve always wanted to be,” she shared. “It helped me improve my communication skills, connect with others, and understand my own college journey more deeply.”
From overcoming personal challenges to guiding their peers toward brighter futures, these graduating CKG Ambassadors reflect the strength, talent, and potential of Arizona’s students. Their leadership reminds us that when we invest in students, we create lasting change not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
Congratulations to this year’s CKG graduates and ambassadors. We’re proud to be part of your journey, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.