$350,000 Grant Powers LGBTQ+ Student Safety Efforts During Mental Health Awareness Month.

Education Action Alliance, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ students, has received a $350,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand training and outreach programs across Arizona. The new funding arrives during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when student well-being is top of mind. The grant will help Education Action Alliance equip more schools with the tools to build safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth, who disproportionately face discrimination and mental health challenges.

The need for this work remains urgent. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ students in Arizona report experiencing discrimination at school, often due to exclusionary policies, bullying, or lack of representation. This grant will allow Education Action Alliance to grow its training and outreach efforts–particularly in school communities that have lacked access to affirming resources.

“The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is helping us lay the groundwork for lasting change, starting at the community level,” said Carol Tappenden, Executive Director of Education Action Alliance. “This funding enables us to broaden our programs, develop locally relevant tools and training materials, and extend our reach to more schools and communities across Arizona. With their continued support, we are empowered to further our mission of advocating for inclusive schools and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Arizona’s LGBTQ+ youth.”

As part of its core programming, Education Action Alliance delivers training sessions that help students and educators understand the real-world impact of identity, bias, and belonging.  In a recent session, one student shared: “This presentation expanded my perspective on LGBTQ+ youth and opened my eyes to the different struggles they might face.” Another said, “It helped me think of how experiences can be perceived through the eyes of someone completely different from myself.” These are the kinds of conversations Education Action Alliance fosters–ones that build empathy and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. 

“Belonging in our schools should be the rule, not the exception,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Education Action Alliance is leading the way toward a future where every young person is respected, supported, and feels they belong.”

This announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the strong connection between student well-being and a safe school environment. LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide–challenges that are intensified by discrimination and lack of support. Research shows that when students feel seen, respected and affirmed, they thrive academically and emotionally. Education Action Alliance remains committed to ensuring all students have access to school environments that support both their mental and physical health.

“No one should be harassed for who they are,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “No student should have to choose between safety or acceptance. Education Action Alliance is helping youth to build confidence and thrive without fear.”

Education Action Alliance’s work also extends beyond the classroom to help transform the entire school community. The organization helps mobilize students, families, and educators to build stronger, more supportive school communities–and to become effective advocates through civic engagement to create the schools they want to attend, work in, and send their children to. From resource fairs to community listening sessions to storytelling workshops, Education Action Alliance equips stakeholders with the tools to engage constructively with school leaders and advocate for policies and practices that meet the needs of diverse LGBTQ+ youth.

This new grant arrives at a pivotal moment, supporting Education Action Alliance’s transition into a fully independent nonprofit after more than two decades of service as the GLSEN Arizona Chapter. With this investment, Education Action Alliance is positioned to deepen its statewide impact, ensuring that every student—regardless of identity, background, or location–has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered in school.