The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Supports A For Arizona In Its Efforts To Improve Education And Student Access To Top Performing Public Schools.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has recently offered support to A for Arizona, an initiative of the Arizona Chamber Foundation and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce dedicated to educational excellence for all students. Only one in eight schools in low-income communities is A-rated. A for Arizona works to support and expand the number of  high-quality leaders, educators and public school models, especially those who serve primarily low-income students.

“We are deeply appreciative for the support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and their confidence in the potential of our schools and students,” said Lisa Graham Keegan, A for Arizona Executive Director. “It is clear that Bob and Renee share our belief that excellent education is possible for every child in Arizona, regardless of who they are or where they live.”

The organization advocates for a policy change that incentivizes the creation and expansion of A-rated public schools and the closure of schools rated as D or F. They also emphasize recruitment, training and retention of talented educators to lead existing schools and create new A-rated schools. The nonprofit’s efforts are focused on understanding, supporting and replicating successful ‘A’ school models currently operating in low-income areas. Particular attention is given to communities with a majority of Hispanic students and schools whose student body is comprised of more than 60 percent underprivileged students.

“A quality education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and allowing children to create a better life for themselves and their families,” said Renee Parsons.

A for Arizona and its coalition partners are working to expand the number of students educated in ‘A’ quality public schools – traditional district, charter and magnet – beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. The $348,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will be used to support outstanding educators and assist in the opening and expansion of high-performing public schools serving disadvantaged populations. The grant has also spurred additional local donors to support and invest in A for Arizona’s ambitious mission. In the first six months of 2015, A for Arizona has raised more than $750,000 in funding from both national and local supporters. To learn more, visit aforaz.org.