Honoring Arizona’s Class of 2025: More Graduates, More Opportunity for All
Graduation season is here and across Arizona, thousands of high school and college students are walking the stage and stepping into their future. At Education Forward Arizona, we are proud to celebrate the Class of 2025, including our scholarship recipients and student ambassadors as they celebrate this milestone.
This year’s graduates represent more than individual achievements. They are proof that when we invest in students, communities thrive and Arizona grows stronger.
Marking Growth
In 2025, more than 130 Education Forward Arizona-supported students are graduating from postsecondary institutions. Among them:
- 84 graduates are from the Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship that helps increase college access and success for Native students across Arizona.
- Graduates represent more than 30 institutions, including Arizona’s three universities.
- Degrees conferred range from business and education to nursing and engineering.
- Students hail from every corner of Arizona, including Chinle, Flagstaff, Globe, Lake Havasu City, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.
Beyond postsecondary graduates, 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.
Student Stories That Inspire
Ashley Alvarado, a Helios Scholar, is taking a gap year after graduation to travel, apply for internships and volunteer at animal-focused organizations including wildlife conservation centers. Her goal is to gain more experience working with animals beyond just cats and dogs, and she plans to apply to veterinary school during this time.
“This scholarship provided stability and kept me motivated. It also allowed me to push myself to achieve higher goals than I thought were possible,” she said.
Trisha Jean Lane, a Freeport-supported student, is graduating with her bachelor’s degree and has already lined up a summer internship with Freeport-McMoRan, with plans to begin a full-time role engineering role afterward.
“As a first-generation, low-income parent, I didn’t think I belonged in rooms like this… until I showed up, worked hard, and proved that I do,” she said. “Education changed my life by reminding me that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll end up.”
Amber Johnson, another Freeport graduate, is preparing to begin her career as a teacher this fall, after taking a well-earned break to spend time with her young son.
“College helped me realize that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone,” she shared. “It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, both academically and personally, and helped me grow more confident in my abilities.”
20 Years of Impact
From helping high school students through initiatives like College Knowing & Going, to offering financial and wraparound support through scholarships, Education Forward Arizona continues to invest in pathways that lead to brighter futures for students across the state. Every Education Forward Arizona student is paired with a success adviser, who offers coaching and mentoring to help the students successfully navigate their college experience and ensure success.
Earlier this year, the organization marked a major milestone: More than 1,000 scholarship recipients have now graduated since its founding. These students have already contributed an estimated $2.2 billion in economic impact to Arizona, showing that education pays dividends for everyone.
As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we recognize that every diploma earned is a step toward a better future—for the individual, for their family and for our state. Together, we’re building the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers and changemakers.
Congratulations, graduates—you make Arizona proud!