Elevate Phoenix

Elevate Phoenix operates as a non-profit organization focused on providing long-term, relationship-based support to urban youth in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 2009, the organization was founded by Shawn Boskie and is modeled after the successful Colorado UpLift program. The founding vision was brought to Phoenix by Bob Barbee, the founding board chairman, who enlisted Tim Cleary as the founding executive director. Their initial efforts started with a small class of 28 students and have since expanded to serve over 6,000 young people.

The organization's core mission is to build life-changing connections with at-risk youth by embedding full-time, salaried teacher-mentors within local schools. These mentors, many of whom come from similar urban backgrounds as the students, provide 24/7 support and teach an accredited curriculum centered on character, life skills, leadership development, and workforce readiness. This holistic approach addresses the challenges students face, aiming to break cycles of poverty and improve academic outcomes. The in-school programming is complemented by after-school tutoring, career instruction, and community service activities. A key component of the model is its cross-age mentoring, where students learn to become role models for their peers and younger children.

Elevate Phoenix's operations are primarily funded through grants from foundations, other nonprofits, and individual donations. The organization has demonstrated significant impact, reporting a 98% graduation rate and a 90% post-secondary entry rate for students engaged in its programs. In 2024, Elevate Phoenix received a notable $1 million grant from the Yield Giving Open Call, managed by Lever for Change, which will support its strategic plan for expansion. This funding is intended to help the organization grow its presence to 11 of the largest Title One high schools in the Phoenix Union High School District and their associated feeder schools. The organization's financials for the 2023 fiscal year reported total revenues of approximately $2.4 million and expenses of around $2.5 million. A significant portion of its expenses, about 85%, is directed toward its programs.

Keywords: youth development, mentorship program, at-risk youth services, Phoenix non-profit, educational support services, life skills training, student mentoring, urban education, character development, leadership skills, academic support, post-secondary preparation, workforce readiness, community-based organization, graduation rate improvement, youth empowerment, student guidance, accredited youth program, school-based mentoring, Arizona youth charity