This October, Downtown Phoenix was the place to be for college prep and readiness. The Be a Leader Foundation hosted the 14th annual Taking Steps Towards College Success event Sunday, October 23, at the Civic Space Park. The free event invited high school students and their families to a resource fair with over 50 booths dedicated to helping students succeed in their high school and postsecondary education careers.
“This is our first in-person [Taking Steps] event since the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to virtual, so we are really excited to have our students out there,” Betsy Muñoz with Be A Leader Foundation said.
The day’s events began at Civic Space Park, where students and families could explore different educational resources offered in Arizona. In addition, families could participate in FAFSA completion workshops, college application support, and financial aid help.
“Our goal is to provide that exposure to the different services and supports that are out there for our communities here in Arizona,” Muñoz said.
Following the college resource fair was the “Taking Steps Towards College Success Walk” towards the downtown Phoenix Convention Center. The walk is an opportunity for students and families to represent and show support for one another. Students, parents, and educators walked together holding signs showing school spirit, inspirational quotes, and expressing themselves.
The walk led to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair. Here students and families had access to over 200 different colleges and universities from across the county. Booths were available to ask questions, complete applications, and find the right school for them.
The Taking Steps Toward College Success event is one of many that Be A Leader Foundation hosts throughout the year. BALF works to increase the number of students who are prepared for success after graduation. Check out the Be A Leader website for upcoming events and resources offered.