Working with students to set them up for success can have a big impact in their future. On April 7^th, Thriving Together organizers at Valley of the Sun United Way accepted the Visionary Collaborators Award for working together with local schools to increase high school graduation and college success rates.

One example of how students are getting a better start in their post-secondary education is by participating in the Accuplacer Ready Workshop. Accuplacer is the Maricopa County Community College District course placement readiness exam that all students are required to take in order to be placed into the proper courses upon enrollment.

However, data tells us that 65% of students are placing in developmental courses, prolonging their graduation date with these non-college credit courses. NorthBridge College Success Program and Thriving Together have partnered for a rapid cycle project to allow 331 Phoenix Union High School District students from 7 schools to go through the Accuplacer Ready Workshop to better prepare them for the placement exam with the goal of testing into credit bearing courses.

Accuplacer allows students to review these skills to improve their test scores:

• Task analysis
• Task initiation
• Question analysis
• Basic testing skills
• Writing concepts
• Arrhythmic concepts
• Algebraic concepts

This can save students the money it would cost them to take these classes if they were unable to test out and allow them to get closer to graduation faster. These programs are available across the Valley.

If you are a student interested in a program like this, ask your counselor if there is a preparatory program you can bring to your school to help seniors save time and money.

Through partnership with Phoenix Union High School District and NorthBridge College Success Program as well as other community partners, Thriving Together is committed to helping students be more successful in college. At Phoenix Union High School District there was an 11% increase in graduates enrolled in college and, for the first time, more than half of the graduates were enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

This is such an important piece of our fight to break the cycle of poverty now and in the future, but it won’t happen alone. You can join the fight too.

Join the Fight

Upcoming Events: Phoenix Union High School District Maricopa Enrollment Days

Getting enrolled and set up for college classes can be a confusing process the first time. You don’t have to do it alone. With Phoenix Union High School District Maricopa Enrollment Days you will have counselors on site ready to help you identify which classes you should enroll in and talk with you about financial aid opportunities.

If you are a student, or know a student, who could benefit from Phoenix Union High School District Maricopa Enrollment Days, join us:

Friday April 13^th
Phoenix College or Gateway Community College
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

-or-

Friday April 20^th
Phoenix College or South Mountain Community College
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.