The United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) Annual Campaign and Community Impact Luncheon was filled with exciting announcements and initiatives aimed at supporting youth in the community. The highlight of the event was the announcement of a $100,000 grant from The NARBHA Institute to expand youth programs, including the popular KinderCamp program.
The grant will be used to expand the KinderCamp program to rural communities in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. This targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps students transition successfully into kindergarten, especially those with minimal preschool experience.
One of the most exciting announcements was that graduates of the KinderCamp program will have the opportunity to attend Coconino Community College for free. Each student will receive a “golden ticket” that they can redeem upon high school graduation, providing them with a pathway to higher education.
During the luncheon, there was a roundtable discussion about the impact of KinderCamp, featuring program coordinators, teachers, and parents of KinderCamp graduates. Additionally, two high school students were recognized for their efforts to support their peers by participating in an internship focused on analyzing the issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.
The event also included a progress report on the Annual Campaign, with over $1 million raised so far. Several awards were presented, including the Community Builder Award to The NARBHA Institute and the Helping Hands Award to Kinney Construction Services.
Overall, the event showcased the dedication of UWNA and its partners to supporting youth in the community and providing them with opportunities for success. For more information about UWNA and its programs, visit www.nazunitedway.org.