Our Program
Mission
Arizona Quest for Kids (AQFK) prepares high-potential/low-income students for success in college and beyond.
Program Summary
Enrolled in the fifth grade, students are paired with a caring adult mentor who supports their academic and personal development. Career-focused enrichment opportunities and a comprehensive college guidance initiative are essential components of the program. AQFK also provides educational workshops to parents as they support their child's pursuit of a college education. Students who meet all program requirements and graduate from high school receive individualized support to access a wide variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities for college.
Currently, there are more than 400 students participating in the Arizona Quest for Kids program at 47 school and community sites in greater Phoenix and Tucson.
Program Components
Arizona Quest for Kids partners with schools and community groups to administer the four components of our program.
Mentoring: Students are matched with a positive role model whom they meet with weekly from fifth through twelfth grades. In addition to providing support and guidance, mentors work with students on setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals. Mentors also participate with their mentees in enrichment activities, community service projects and program events.
Enrichment: College and career-focused opportunities are the foundation of AQFK's enrichment program. Students visit college campuses throughout the state and explore a wide range of careers through workshops, field trips, and guest speaker events. Throughout the program, AQFK students also participate in community service activities and attend arts, cultural and recreational field trips.
College Guidance: Beginning in middle school, AQFK.s college guidance inspires students to begin thinking and planning for college. In the sixth-eighth grades, the focus is mainly on career exploration and preparing for high school. Once the student reaches ninth grade, AQFK adds critical college guidance services, including academic advisement, college exploration and individualized support to help students access a wide variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Parent Resources: Arizona Quest for Kids partners with parents to help their children achieve a college degree. Through a series of workshops, we educate parents on creating a home learning environment, navigating the school system and supporting their child.s pursuit of a college education.
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