2015

Ann

ual R

epor

t

CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS!

TAKING STEPS TOWARDS COLLEGE SUCCESS!2

Our vision is to reduce the educational attainment gap for historically underserved students by changing their mindset from believing that college is just a dream to knowing that higher education is, in fact, a very true reality.

Mission

Vision

Our mission is to increase the number of college-going students by inspiring and empowering elementary and high school students to become college bound, focused, and prepared through leadership training and mentoring.

3

President & CEO

On behalf of the Be A Leader Foundation’s Board of Directors, we are honored to share our 2015 Annual Report.

Melissa B. Trujillo

Over 13 years ago, the Be A Leader Foundation (BALF) was created to help Arizona youth pursue a college education through mentorship and scholarships. Although successful, we knew that our youth needed to learn more about the college going process at a much earlier age and started our first official program for elementary students in 2006 with 32 students. Today, 28 of the original cohort have graduated from college or are in their senior year.

A Message from our

Today, we serve over 3,300 elementary, high school and college students in their pursuit of obtaining a college degree. BALF’s success is directly associated with the following key elements: 1) Each BALF team member is devoted and loyal to fulfilling the needs and dreams of each of our participants; 2) Each BALF volunteer is dutiful and passionate on each of their responsibilities to help our participants achieve success on their college going journey; 3) The BALF Board and Executive Team are steadfast in our pledge to utilize the financial investments provided by our donors in a manner that produces significant returns for their generosity and support; and 4) BALF takes pride in collaborating with each of our community, school and business partners to achieve collective, positive and absolute results to help Arizona youth through college, career and life.

This academic year, BALF has over 1,100 participants attending college in pursuit of reaching their goal of obtaining a college degree. BALF is humbled as we recognize the number of participants that are attending and/or have completed our pipeline of college going programs.

We want to thank each Be A Leader student for their drive and compassion to pursue and obtain a college degree to help their future, their families and their communities. We are thankful and grateful for the continued generosity of our donors who allow BALF to provide these much needed college going services at no cost to our participants.

In addition, we are overwhelmed with the personal commitment that is dedicated to BALF through individuals, who give of their time, talents and treasures. Each of YOU, give us the ability and resources to help Arizona youth become contributing members of society and ultimately our leaders who will become the economic engines and positive change makers of tomorrow.

Warmest Regards,

Co-FounderBoard Chair

Gary L. Trujillo

Co-Founder

BALF participants have attended over 140 universities and colleges throughout the United States including undergraduate, graduate and doctorial programs at some of the following educational institutions: Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, Stanford University, Brown University, New York University and many more.

Thank you for believing in our youth and their abilities to enhance the success of our community!

In fact, over 72% of our participants and alumni have either received a degree or are persisting in their college going journey. Although enthusiastic about our contributions to our students’ success, we are reminded each day that there are thousands of additional students that are still in need of our services.

FOUNDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory of Change

Increasing Educational Attainment for All Students

Student Demographics

Be A Leader’s Journey

A Leader in College Access and Success

Pipeline of College-Going Programs

Be A Leader Institute Elementary

Valedictorian Club

Youth Leadership Conferences

Be A Leader Parent Support

Be A Leader Institute High School

Be A Leader Clubs

Be A Leader Senior Boot Camp

Be a Leader Institute College

Be A Leader 500 Club

Be A Leader Mentoring Programs

Taking Steps Towards College Success Walkathon

Board of Directors

5

6

7

8

9

10-11

12-13

14-15

16

17

18-19

20-21

22-23

24-25

26

27

28

29

4

Table of Contents

Theory ofOur theory of change rests on the belief that providing students with guidance, mentorship, access to resources, and empowerment enhances their chances of pursuing a higher education. Our students have all the potential to succeed academically and pursue a postsecondary education but are many times lacking the external support and resources needed to finish the college-going equation. When neither your parents nor the parents of your peers have a college education, both the expectation and the journey of going to college are daunting if not seemingly out of reach.

5

Students are provided with FREE access to a PIPELINE of College-Going Programs. All programs meet monthly during the school year and provide participants with critical college knowledge.

Our programs are each augmented by the generous time committed by our mentors and volunteers. Our goal is to expose students to caring adults who are willing to help students by sharing lessons learned from their own educational and career journeys.

The cost of college is often the number one perceived barrier for our students when evaluating their likelihood of pursuing a higher education. Access to scholarships and financial aid information is critical for our students.

Be A Leader students are provided with a series of enrichment activities to help them connect with other college-going students across the valley.

Guida

nce

Men

torsh

ip

Reso

urce

s

Empo

werm

ent

of high school graduates that have participated in Be A Leader’s Senior Boot Camp matriculated into college!

90%

CHANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

On average

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

An Economic ImperativeEDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT for all studentsIncreasing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

68% OF ALL JOBSIN ARIZONA

BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL BY 2020WILL REQUIRE SOME TRAINING

MORE THAN65%OF LATINO ADULTS

IN ARIZONAHAVE NO EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCEOUTSIDE OF HIGH SCHOOL

The future of Arizona is inextricably linked to our state’s ability to produce a robust educated workforce. While gains have been made in high school graduation rates and more students are enrolling in college than ever before, the reality is that a critical mass of students are not ready for the demands of higher education. It is projected that by 2020, over 68% of all jobs in Arizona will require some form of postsecondary training. It is imperative that we continue to close the educational achievement gap in our state if we are to meet this demand.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Middle School Programs.............................213Youth Leadership Conferences..............1,283High School Programs...............................1,546College Programs............................................276

OVER 3,300STUDENTS SERVED

33BE A LEADER HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS

83%FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS

>3,800STUDENTS & FAMILIES IN ATTENDANCE AT THE

2015 “TAKING STEPS TOWARDS COLLEGE SUCCESS” WALKATHON

Hispanic/Latino 81%

Caucasian 9%

African American 6%

Other 2%

Native American 1%

Asian 1% ....

....

...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2015 Total Students Served

Student Demographics

Additional Information

STUDENT BREAKDOWN Be A Leader

7

Female 59%Male 41%

81%

9%

6%2%

1%1%

Be A Leader’sCOLLEGE-GOING JOURNEY

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

The first BALF Program for 8th graders is established in the Roosevelt Elementary School District.

1996

2002

2006

2008

2010

2013

Founders Melissa and Gary Trujillo along with community organizations raise $1 million to open the Roosevelt Community Technology Center in South Phoenix.

Be A Leader Foundation is officially created and becomes a 501(c)3 organization.

The first Senior Boot Camp Program is established in Phoenix, Arizona

The second Senior Boot Camp Program is established in Pico Rivera, California

The founders of the Be A Leader Foundation have been supporting underpriviledged youth for over 18 years through financial assistance, personal mentoring and guidance. Founders, Melissa and Gary Trujillo, wanted to have an impact on society by changing the educational aspirations of elementary, high school and college students. Since the early 90’s, they have worked tirelessly with numerous organizations and school districts to help underpriviledged students develop needed leadership skills to become college bound, focused and prepared. In 2002, the Trujillo’s formalized their energy and efforts and created the Be A Leader Foundation.

The Be A Leader Institute High School (BLIH) Program is established.

A Leader in COLLEGE ACCESS SUCCESS

National Bright Spot!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

At the core of what Be A Leader stands for is a belief that every student, regardless of his or her socio-economic status, race or zip code should have the opportunity to pursue a higher education. This belief is embodied by everyone on our team and is at the forefront of our motto that “working for Be A Leader is not a job it’s a LIFESTYLE”!

“The Phoenix Union High School District is committed to breaking the constraints and perceptions of typical urban school districts by preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. Accomplishing this is critical not only to our district, but to the sustainability of our community and the future of our students. We cannot do this work alone. Be A Leader is an invaluable partner in our efforts to ensure that all students are prepared to succeed in college. Our partnership has yielded very impressive results, and we are excited for the future of the Phoenix Union/Be A Leadership relationship.”

- Dr. Chad Gestson, Superintendent Phoenix Union High School District

In 2015, The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics highlighted 230 programs across the country as Bright Spots for investing in key education priorities affecting the Hispanic community. The Be A Leader Foundation was incredibly honored to be selected as one of only 10 organizations in Arizona to receive this powerful distinction. As Latinos represent the fastest growing segment of Arizona’s population, they will ultimately make up a large portion of the future workforce. Ensuring that the Latino student population has access to quality education across the continuum and closing the Latino student achievement gap will better prepare these students for success in college and career and to become contributors to a vibrant state economy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COLLEGE-GOING PROGRAMS

BALF has created a successful template of college-going programs and has been serving Arizona youth through such programs since 2006. Over the past five years we have more than doubled the number of students participating in our college-going programs from 860 students in 2010 to well over 3,300 this past school year. Our PIPELINE of College-Going programs deliver much needed support to students, including: working with youth to assist them in developing an aspirational mindset with respect to college; providing students with a solid educational infrastructure that includes expanded educational resources; establishing meaningful and consistent relationships between students and experienced, caring mentors and experts; and working one-on-one with students to create and manage specific plans to ensure they are college ready.

Pipeline of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increased Aspirations!Career Exploration!

Of high school students agreed or strongly agreed that the high school program gave them a better understanding of how their interests related to possible career fields.

93% 80%Of eighth grade students who participated in the youth leadership conferences left saying they were motivated to start planning for college immediately!

10

Empowering Students to BecomeCOLLEGE BOUND, FOCUSED PREPARED

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .and . . . . .

11

Be A Leader Institute Elementary

Valedictorian Club

Youth Leadership Conferences

Be A Leader Institute High School

Be A Leader Clubs Senior Boot Camp

Be A Leader Institute College

Be A Leader Parent Support

Mentorship Programs

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

COLLEGE PROGRAMS

7th Grade

8th Grade

8th Grade

9th - 12th Grade 9th - 12th Grade 12th Grade

Be A Leader Institute The purpose of the Be A Leader Institute Elementary (BLIE) program, is to create a positive environment and nurturing community through its College Focused Curriculum. The program consists of a series of eight monthly workshops that coincide with the academic year and provides participants with the tools, resources and encouragement to attend college and be leaders in their communities. During the BLIE program, students create Life Maps and work through the creation of their very first futuristic resume. Capturing young minds requires a special approach. All BLIE workshops are grounded in specific life lessons, while also providing students with interactive opportunities to engage their imagination.

ELEMENTARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Skilled Students!

Of BLIE participants stated in the post program survey that they will definitely be going on to college!

85%

12

“My favorite thing about Be A Leader is we get to talk about our future and how we get to decide what we want to do in college. It just helped me decide where I want to go, which is University of Arizona. My dream is to become a professional filmmaker.”

- 7th grader, Bernard Elementary

BLIECurriculum Students served

to date!

13

Who am I? The Foundation of My Success Building My Resource Bank

The ABCs of My EducationLeadership & Civic Involvement

Community Leadership: Where Do I Stand?My Leadership Journey

Being the Best Me I Can Be

Graduation: How Have I Grown as a Leader?

Drawing visuals of the past, present and future through a Life Map exercise to be used to complete their first futuristic resume.

Learning about components of the educational system including roles of a governing board, school administrators, teachers and counselors.

The concept of community advocacy is introduced as students identify a need and develop solutions to meet that need.

Identifying the many roles in life (student, son/daughter, sibling, friend, etc.) and analyzing real world scenarios. In groups, students brainstorm how the best me would confront the scenarios presented.

Learning the concept of resources and how to effectively tap into these. The concept of recommendation letters is introduced to students.

Introduction of servant leadership, the importance of giving back to the community and development of social responsibility.

Introduction to 12 leadership skills. Groups of students develop solutions to scenarios presented to them by developing and performing skits that feature these skills.

Students reflect on their experiences in the program and are introduced to the Valedictorian Club program for 8th graders. The day ends with a certificate ceremony with their family.

480+

Creating a PIPELINE of students with aspirations for a higher education must begin far before the application process! Starting in elementary school, Be A Leader engages young minds through BLIE’s eight-month series of workshops.

CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Valedictorian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Leaders!

Of participants by the end of the program felt that a college education would help them make a difference in their community!

84%

The Valedictorian Club (V-Club) was the first program established by BALF with sixty 8th grade students from the Roosevelt Elementary School District (RESD). Since then, BALF has expanded the program to both the Phoenix and Murphy Elementary School Districts. Students are selected as “Valedictorians” of their respective schools, not on academic merit, but on character, leadership potential and the desire to succeed. Once referred to as “Valedictorians,” these students start to develop a sense of accomplishment and realize the great potential within themselves. V-Club’s focus is on the development of leadership skills, providing its participants with the tools to break down the barriers preventing them from finding a college degree a realistic goal and empowering students with the knowledge to plan their high school and college educational pursuits.

“In Be A Leader, I learned that high school is a very important place. It’s the beginning of your future.My future plans are to either become an oil engineer, an architect or a basketball player. Some colleges I am aiming for are Arizona State University, University of Arizona, or Duke University.”

- 8th Grader, Sunland Elementary

14

V-CLUBCurriculum

Inspiring students to become college bound, focused and prepared should be an on-going focus! 8th grade students continue to develop their skills through the V-Club’s eight-month series of workshops.

15

Life Planning: Where are You Going?

Academic Planning & Transcript Review

Technology Day

Leadership & Civic Involvement

Students complete their first resume that includes their plans for high school, college and career.

Lessons are taught on how to read a high school transcript and the Education & Career Action Plan is introduced. High school and college entrance requirements are covered.

Students tackle projects that are completed in programs such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word. This session increases their ability to utilize Microsoft Office software.

Students are challenged to take more active roles in finding solutions to needs and issues affecting their communities.

Decison MakingThe group discusses challenges and opportunites they may come across in their college bound journey. Students are given tools to learn how to make ethical value based decisons.

Paying for College: Leadership & AcademicsParticipants learn the correlation between educational attainment and income. Groups work on a budget according to an assigned salary.

My College Bound JourneyThis is a time for reflection on past workshops in an effort to re-enforce the importance of each of the workshops. Students revisit their resume and update the content.

Graduation: How Have I Grown as a Leader?Students are introduced and transitioned into the Be A Leader Institute High School program and are invited by current participants to join high school Be A Leader Clubs.

Students served to date!

540+

The purpose of each Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) is for 8th grade students to feel excited and confident in their ability to achieve their educational goals when entering high school. The concept of implementing YLC’s was created as a means to reach 8th grade students from each of the 13 elementary school districts promoting students into the Phoenix Union High School District. Each YLC is a bridge to support students and expose them to the BLIH program and Be A Leader clubs ensuring a constant outreach to over 1,300 new students each year. By participating in the YLC, each student will learn about the importance of preparing for and the value of high school. They are also provided with the initial tools and resources required to succeed in their transition into their freshman year class.

CONFERENCESYouth Leadership

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Students served annually!

Over 1,300

Participating Elementary School Districts

Career Explorations

Presentation Skills

High School Success

Topics Covered:

16

Cartwright

CreightonIsaac

Laveen

Osborn

Phoenix

Roosevelt

Phoenix

Tolleson

Glendale

Murphy

Alhambra

Pendergast

Madison

Scottsdale

Tempe

Balsz

Riverside

Wilson

Be A LeaderPARENT SUPPORT

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As an organization, we are absolutely convinced of the importance of parent involvement in helping us achieve our mission of increasing the number of college-going students. However, we have come to understand that parents of middle school and high school children, especially those of lower socio-economic status and/or minority, sometimes feel like they do not have the information or even knowledge of how to obtain it to understand the educational system, therefore making them feel less able to participate. Through our Be A Leader parent programs, families are provided with tools and information to help support the educational evolution of their students at home including resources to help reinforce positive youth development strategies.

“As a parent, Be A Leader has helped me become knowledgeable about the steps neccessary to help my son and daughter successfully transition from high school to college. The very informative parent meetings have empowered me and given me the confidence to play an active role in the process of guiding my children toward college. Thanks for the support Be A Leader!”

-Emily Rainge, Be A Leader Parent

Good grades ensure that students will be both eligible for high school graduation and college entry. Parents discuss the ABCs of GPAs.

College Eligibility

Parents are exposed to summer program options that will help students prepare for college.

Summer Progamming

To better understand how to obtain assistance or tackle issues, parents learn more about the structure and administration of the educational system.

Navigating the School System

17

Discussion Topics:

Parents learn about when their children can apply and learn about the diversity of scholarship programs.

Scholarships

Be A Leader Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Skilled Students!

Of BLIH participants indicated in the post program survey that they felt better prepared for college.

Be A Leader Institute High School (BLIH) is a program for High School students that provides monthly workshops to inspire and help them build a clear and defined college-going mentality. Monthly workshops are held at Arizona State University’s downtown campus for students from across the Valley. Participants are encouraged to bring new students each month to help ensure their peers are also being exposed to our college-going resources. The workshops cover topics such as preparing for the PSAT/SAT or ACT and creation of a personal mission statement. College mentors help facilitate small break-out sessions and each month students are expose to a career panel of professionals.

“BLIH was more than a meeting but an experience. Every single one I participated in always had new surprises, oppurtunities, and friends. There was always something useful to learn and my determination to go be successful in college increased every minute I was there. I am grateful for every meeting I participated in and I’m ready to use that knowledge in the working world. Like it is said at every meeting, I will give back to my community.”

-Yaqub Elmi, Red Mountain High School

90%

18

The BLIH program provides students with the tools and resources to be college bound, focused and prepared! The monthly workshops are held at the Arizona State University Downtown Campus and are free to all students.

BLIHCurriculum

Blueprint for High School SuccessStudents learn how to read and understand the components of a high school transcript, create an academic plan and learn about college entrance requirements.

PSAT/SAT & ACTExposure to topics on PSAT/SAT and ACT entrance exams. This workshop includes discussion on how these exams are graded, the structures and test taking tips.

Urban Leadership & Community ServiceThis leadership focused session promotes awareness of community issues and challenges students to brainstorm and find ways to be a part of positive solutions.

Book Your Summer Adventure!School break is a valuable time to continue learning or put plans to help the community into action. This workshop exposes students to various summer programs.

Cash for College RoadmapThe group discusses financial aid planning the FAFSA process, specific scholarship programs and applications.

Tour Your FutureParticipants are supported through exploration and identification of fields and careers of interest to them. Roundtables of professionals share experiences and knowledge.

Your Big Pitch!University admissions officers facilitate statement writing break-out sessions. Students receive additional insight by critiquing sample statements.

Students served last year!

1500+

World Through My Lens

Increase Your LikesNetworking goes beyond social media. Students learn about resumes, recommendation letters and participate in mock interviews.

Students learn to identify the diverse world around them as they celebrate their own diversity iwth their community and in their college-going journey.

19

Be A Leader CLUBS “Being the President of the Be A Leader Club has

definitely changed my life for the better. Before I was involved in the club, I didn’t really have any sense of responsibility, but being President has helped me learn how to give my life a sense of purpose every single day. I am glad that throughout this year I was able to help motivate people to understand that college isn’t such a bad idea and that it doesn’t have to be as hard as everyone perceives it to be. With the information that I have learned while being in this club, I hope to help others in the future to make the image of college a little less scary and little more welcoming!”

- Rianna Garcia, Westview High School

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

College Application Nights

Scholarship Marathons FAFSA Nights

Youth Leadership Conferences

Building Leadership SkillsClub Activites:

BALF continues to work directly with our students to develop a network of college bound students through each of our campus Be A Leader Clubs. The clubs support and encourage the membership to actively participate in the monthly high school workshops and the Be A Leader Senior Boot Camp program. Each Club has a set of club officers who are tasked with planning college-going activities for their members on campus. Be A Leader staff are assigned to clubs and help facilitate the planning and implementation of these activities and serve as a resource for all things college-going on the campus. Our network of 33 clubs collectively supported over 1,100 high school students in 2015.

20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Network of Clubs!

College-GoingNetwork!

In addition to bringing college-going resources to their campuses, club members are provided with a variety of meaningful opportunities that help enhance their college-going journeys. These activities include our annual lock-in where students spend a night completing team challenges with over 150 other high school students. Each spring and fall semesters, students participate in Career and College Shadow Days where they experience a “day in the life” of a college student majoring in something they’re interested in or a professional with a career they aspire to pursue.

Professional Shadow Week

College Shadow Week

Phoenix

Tolleson

Glendale

Scottsdale

Tempe

Mesa

21

BOOT CAMP Senior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Senior Boot Camp (SBC) program provides high school seniors with a detailed, easy to navigate support system during the college and scholarship application process. The first class of SBC students graduated in 2010 and the program was later expanded into Pico Rivera, California with the support of the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation in 2013. This extensive system ensures that each of our seniors receives personal help with the often-daunting process of applying to colleges and scholarships. SBC begins the summer before our students’ senior year and requires that they each work with BALF staff and their assigned mentor to meet critical senior year deadlines. Each workshop session includes a presentation based on the monthly topic including activities for the mentor and mentee to complete. Mentors play a critical part in helping our students meet critical senior year deadlines.

“The Be A Leader Foundation has help me to have more confidence in myself. I used to be the type of person who was too shy to ask questions. But when I go to the Be A Leader sessions and guest speakers are there, I ask questions. Also, it has given me many different resources that made my senior year easier. I am grateful and blessed to all the different scholarships that were available for me to apply. I have learned to seek for help and take advantage of opportunities that come my way. I am truly blessed and May God bless the Be A Leader Foundation!”

-Anna Deogratias, North High School

22

Completed the ACT or SAT

exam

90%Transitoned into a postsecondary

institution

90%

Scholarship dollars earned by the class of

2015

$1.3 MCompleted the

FAFSA

92%

SBCCurriculum

600+Students served

to date!The Well Rounded StudentStudents learn the importance of balance between academics, community service and leadership activities within the college application process.

College Admissions 101Students learn about the application process for in-state universities, review the Common Application and discuss community college admissions.

The College & Scholarship EssayReview of commonly asked college essay questions and learn about effective ways to write a personal statement.

FInancing Your Education (Part Two)

Overview of interview skills, how to request a letter of recommendation, and best practices for marketing themselves as an individual.

ACE The Interview

The steps to follow after the FAFSA are discussed. Students continue to review and edit scholarship applications as deadlines approach.

FAFSA 101The group goes over financial aid packages. Students continue to review and edit scholarship applications as deadlines line up.

Transitioning To College Life

The group participates in the College Survivor activity that includes learning the locations of specific campus resources.

Students learn about student life as it pertains to the college campus and experience. The group discusses programs of study and the importance of course selection.

Tools For Independent Living

Different types of financial aid and its availability is discussed. Students receive an overview on FAFSA and revisit the discussion of college essays.

Financing Your Education (Part One)

A class on budgeting for college life and managing credit, as well as, the Be A Leader Foundation ceremony bring the Senior Boot Camp program to a close.

Senior Graduation Ceremony

23

Be A Leader Institute COLLEGE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“I am definitely convinced that I am where I am today because of Be A Leader. The Be A Leader Family has provided me with an abundance of support and motivation. Coming from a Hispanic, low-income communty, there are many challenges that arise when it comes to going to college. Some of us do not have the support or just do not know how to get to college. Be A Leader provides this support and so much more! I am one of many students who have been impacted by the Be A Leader Foundation.”

- Esther Avila, Barrett, The Honors College Arizona State University

Once a student enters a postsecondary institution, BALF continues to provide support through the Be A Leader Institute College (BLIC) program. This important bridge program includes a series of professional development workshops held throughout the academic year. In addition to workshops, students continue to receive guidance, mentorship and resources they need to complete their college education and work towards completion of a post-graduate degree. College students participating in BLIC learn key elements of networking and interviewing, career and graduate school planning, how to build leadership skills, and most importantly, what it takes to achieve academic success.

BLIC Discussion Topics:

Career & Graduate School Planning

Evaluating Job Offers

Business & Professional Etiquette

Financial Literacy & Personal Finances

24

Where are they

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Higher Education Institutions represented

NOW? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .We have always known that our programs are having a positive impact on the lives of the students and families we serve. We’ve made the dream of a higher education a reality for hundreds of students and their families. While we’ve always known that our programs were making a difference it hadn’t been until recently that we were able to truly quantify the success of our model. With the help of the National Student Clearinghouse (leading provider of educational reporting and enrollment verification data in the country) this past fall we undertook the elaborate task of verifying postsecondary enrollment for all students who had graduated from our programs. We are excited to share the results below with you and look forward to the continued educational success of our students!

Of Be A Leader Senior Boot Camp graduates have earned a degree or are still enrolled in a postsecondary institution

86%

Of all Be A Leader Students who have graduated from high school have earned a degree or are still enrolled in a postsecondary institution

72%

140+

25

Give your time to help shape a young person’s future.

What is the 500 Club?

Who are the current Club Members?Members of the 500 Club are business and community leaders from various backgrounds and diverse industries. Members mentor students, participate in BALF events, serve on various committees, recruit new members - all in support of Be A Leader’s vision.

Be A Leader created the 500 Club to engage successful professionals to expand its effort to help and inspire youth. New club members can sponsor a student and play a hands-on role in their educational journey by sharing their knowledge, skills, and networks. It’s a way to bring together the time, talent, and resources of a diverse group of community members in support of higher education.

I give my time to the Be A Leader Foundation because there is a gap in college achievement in our own community and BALF is a great organization where members of the community can provide advice and mentorship to high school students on the cusp of entering college. BALF’s Senior Boot Camp volunteers are engaging these students at a most critical moment - the decision on whether or not to pursue college, and if so, where. As a volunteer, I help in providing mentorship and encouragement to attend college. It is a very rewarding experience. - Jeff Stapleton, Economic Development Specialist, City of Phoenix

How to Join?Becoming a member is easy, and being a member is rewarding. To become a member:

- Donate or raise $500 a year (provides college-going programming for one student for an entire year!)- AND/OR Sign up to mentor a Be A Leader Student. It’s a great cause and a rewarding way to expand your network!

26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“As a mentor for the Valedictiorian Club for the past two years, I’ve had the privilege to work and get to know students from various backgrounds. The driver that brings them together is their dreams and aspirations of furthering their education to one day become our nurses, our doctors, and our lawyers. It brings me great joy to be looked up to as a role model to these students and to our Hispanic community. I’ve had a very fulfilling experience these past two years and I highly recommend anyone who has a passion for making a difference in their community to join the Be A Leader familia.”

- Erica Guerrero

Group Mentoring One-on-One Mentoring

BALF mentors help facilitate small group break-out sessions, often contributing to our curriculum by sharing their own unique stories.

Group mentoring is available in the following programs:

For individuals interested in assisting one student through their academic career, BALF’s one-on-one mentoring program provides them with that opportunity.

Senior Boot CampBe A Leader Institute ElementaryBe A Leader Institute High SchoolValedictorian Club

The Be A Leader Mentoring program has been designed to provide interested individuals with the opportunity to choose the level of commitment and time that they are realistically able to contribute to BALF and our students while juggling their personal and professional lives. Mentors play a critical part in the educational evolution of our students by sharing lessons learned from their own educational and professional journey. Whether it’s volunteering once a month at one of our program workshops or supporting a small group of high school seniors through the college and scholarship application process, our mentors make all the difference!

One-on-one mentoring is available through the following program:

27

ProgramsMENTORINGBe A Leader

Taking Steps Towards College Success WALKATHON

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

> 3,800

community organizations participated

50+

SAVE THE DATE! October 23, 2016

“Taking Steps Towards College Success” is the only Walk-A-Thon in Arizona that provides the opportunity for all Arizonans to have direct access to college-going materials and to ignite and motivate the masses on the importance of supporting and promoting higher education. This past year, our 8th annual event was hosted at Phoenix Civic Space Park where over 3,800 students, family members and educational supporters joined in on the college-going fun! Students started the day visiting with over 50 different partners at our college-going resource fair and hearing from officials including City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. The Walkathon then hit the road and made the trek to the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) College Fair at the Phoenix Convention Center where over 200 college and universities were eagerly waiting to speak to our students!

Students and families in attendance

28

Steps Taken During The 2015 Walkathon 7,200,000

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chairman & Co-FounderMr. Gary L. TrujilloPresident & CEO

Southwest Harvard Group

TreasurerMr. Tim DeSoto

Senior Director, Strategy & Business Development

Barnes & Noble

SecretaryMs. Lydia Aranda

Co-Founder BlackStar BBC Group

Board MembersDr. Chris Bustamante

PresidentRio Salado College

Mr. Micheal TrejoVice President, Power & Renewables

Investment BankingBank of America Merrill Lynch

President & Co-FounderMrs. Melissa B. Trujillo

President & CEOBe A Leader Foundation

29

Board of Directors

Thank You to NRG Photography for supplying a number of the photos in this report

1715 W. Northern AvenueSuite 104Phoenix, AZ 85021

602-758-8000

602-274-3935info@bealeaderfoundation.org

www.bealeaderfoundation.org

bealeaderfoundation

@bealeaderfound

ileadbalf

An approved IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, I.D #55-0850279