History

Arizona Quest for Kids (AQFK) is based on a Naples, FL organization. David Highmark, AQFK’s Chairman, resided in Florida during the Naples program’s early years, and with great admiration witnessed its implementation and ultimate successes. David brought the idea here to Arizona after he realized the need for college preparation assistance due to the low number of students who graduated with a four-year degree, only 24% in Arizona.

The program began with just seven students at Madison Park Middle School in January 2000. The first cohort of seven students graduated from high school in 2007 with a class grade point average of 3.6, and 100% went on to enroll in college. Since then, the program has blossomed to serve over 400 students with students in fourteen elementary/middle schools and over 35 high schools with a high rate of success. 

• 100% of high school students graduate high school in four years
• On average, every high school graduating cohort earns a 3.5 grade point average or higher
• 89% of high school seniors enroll in college directly after graduating from high school