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Learn more about the NACRC

The Start of Northern Arizona College Resource Program

In 2008, Arizona GEAR UP and Northern Arizona University’s Educational Support Services created the Northern Arizona College Resource Center (NACRC) in partnership with the Flagstaff Family YMCA. Arizona GEAR UP funded the launch, and a community advisory committee was formed.

In 2011, the Helios Foundation provided a $104,500 grant to fund the NACRC for three years, supporting staff expansion and program growth.

In 2015, the NACRC partnered with Helios Education Foundation, Arizona College Access Network, College Success Arizona, and the Metropolitan Education Commission on the Helios College Knowing & Going Initiative. The Helios funded grant has allowed the NACRC to hire a full-time Program Coordinator and extend its reach throughout Northern Arizona and Phoenix.

Part of NACRC, Setup Youth for Success, is currently generously funded by the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

NACRC and SYS Goals

Provide information in an accessible, friendly, and centralized location to students, parents/guardians, advisors, and other youth-serving providers regarding:

Appropriate preparation for post-secondary career and education pathways
Applying for admission
Seeking and applying for financial support
Support in helping students find internship, certificate and job opportunities

We further provide resources to students and their parents who are preparing to apply or are in the midst of applying for admission and financial support to attend two and four-year colleges and universities.

We aim to mentor students and their parents/guardians on how to identify and access opportunities for higher education and financial support to pursue post-secondary education.

Karena Malko
Assistant Director
Karena Malko started working for the NACRC in April 2022, previously working for the Health Promotion Department at NAU. Karena is a graduate of Columbia University, where she majored in African American Studies with a minor in Elementary Education. She pursued a Master of Science from the International Institute of Restorative Practices, graduating with a degree in Youth Counseling. While working for Arizona State University, Karena led a grant-funded initiative focused on implementing Motivational Interviewing across various Student Affairs departments. She has also worked with Access, ASU, helping increase post-secondary enrollment rates for Black, Latino, and low-income students in the Mesa school district. Originally from the NYC/NJ area Karena loves exploring Arizona with her designer mutt, Max.

Ali Tenney
Student Development Coordinator, CKG Coordinator
Ali Tenney comes from a long line of Arizona educators and is excited to join the Education Forward and College Knowing and Going team as the Student Development Coordinator at NAU. Her professional career began as a social studies teacher in Gilbert and Payson, where she led professional learning communities and fostered positive relationships. More recently, she’s been a program manager establishing the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona’s Pathways Program for Single Moms in Flagstaff. She is excited about this opportunity to utilize her passion for community and education with College Knowing and Going. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fantasy books, playing and watching soccer, and volunteering with local youth.

Ethan Berger
Setup Youth for Success Mentor
Coming from near Southern Arizona, Ethan recently completed his master’s in Applied Sociology at Northern Arizona University. He currently works remotely for Northern Arizona College Resource Center, focusing on helping students navigate the job market and land their very first job or internship. In his free time Ethan enjoys creative writing and cooking.

Alena Gross
Setup Youth for Success Mentor
Alena Gross is a current PHD candidate for Political Science at Northern Arizona University. Being an international student with a rich background in teaching alongside being a prior Assistant Manager for Semester Zero, we are excited for what she can bring to the team.

Emma Lynch
Setup Youth for Success Student Mentor
Emma Lynch is currently a student at Northern Arizona University studying International Affairs with minors in Spanish and Photography. She is passionate about helping students achieve a higher education, whatever that may look like for them. She uses her previous knowledge as a student advisor for the Earn to Learn scholarship program to help students explore career and college options under Setup Youth For Success. In her free time, Emma enjoys baking, ice skating, and traveling.

Hailey Krantz
Setup Youth for Success Student Mentor
Attending Northern Arizona University as a military connected student, Hailey is in her third year studying Dental Hygiene. She is currently working as a College and Career Mentor at the Northern Arizona College Resource Center for Winslow High School and Bradshaw Mountain High School helping students navigate college and career life after high school graduation. In her free time, Hailey likes to spend time with friends and scrapbooks.

Lincoln Jensen
Setup Youth for Success Student Mentor
Lincoln Jensen is currently an undergraduate Criminology major with a minor in Business. Before joining the NACRC Lincoln lived in the city of Mesa, Arizona and worked for the city’s Parks and Recreation department as a Recreation Aide at an after-school program. Additionally, he worked in sports as a football referee for youth in his community. He utilizes his skills in communication to connect with students pursuing post-secondary plans. In his free time Lincoln loves watching movies and listening to music.

Aneesa Coffroth
Setup Youth for Success Student Mentor
Aneesa Coffroth is currently a Psychology major at Northern Arizona University with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Coming from Panama, she is passionate about connecting with others and helping students find pathways that align with their goals. She uses the knowledge she gained as a Hispanic Ambassador and Client Case Coordinator to support her work as a College Access Mentor, where she helps students explore opportunities for higher education. In her free time, Aneesa enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her dog, family and friends.

Upward Bound is a TRIO program designed to support high school students from low-income families or families where neither parent holds a college degree. It provides academic tutoring, college counseling, and summer enrichment programs that help students prepare for college. Through activities such as campus visits, career exploration, and mentorship, Upward Bound encourages students to set and achieve academic goals, ensuring they are well-prepared to pursue higher education. The program’s mission is to increase the rate of students entering and completing postsecondary education.

For more information, visit NAU Upward Bound.

Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) at NAU is a TRIO program supporting high school students pursuing STEM careers. UBMS offers academic tutoring, mentoring, college prep, workshops, and hands-on research opportunities. The program aims to enhance math and science skills, increase college readiness, and empower low-income and potential first-generation college students to succeed in post-secondary education.

For more information, visit NAU Upward Bound Math & Science

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a TRIO program that identifies and supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, specifically targeting those in grades 6-12 who show potential for postsecondary success. The program provides academic guidance, career exploration, financial aid workshops, and college preparation services. ETS helps students and their families understand the college application process, including how to apply for scholarships and financial aid, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational future.

For more information, visit N AU Educational Talent Search.

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at NAU provides support for adults seeking to pursue higher education or vocational training. EOC offers personalized academic and career counseling, assistance with college applications, financial aid guidance, and skills workshops. Designed to empower low-income and first-generation individuals, the program aims to increase access to educational resources, enhance academic skills, and facilitate successful transitions to college or career pathways.

For more information, visit NAU Educational Opportunity Center

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