Big Futures matches will continue to receive the same support as any community-based match, however, the focus will begin to be on Enrollment to college, Employment, or Enlistment.
ENROLLMENT IN COLLEGE
Arizona Universities & Colleges
See below for a list of popular Arizona universities and colleges and websites where you find more information about each campus and schedule an in-person or take virtual tour.
Scholarships
See below for a list of databases and popular scholarships for Arizona youth.
Education Forward Arizona - A renewable scholarship intended for students planning to obtain a bachelor’s degree; beginning at a community college is an option. The scholarship includes mentoring and an adviser to help navigate college. Please view their eligibility requirements on their website. The application opens in January and the deadline is in March each year.
Fast Web - A free scholarship search platform designed to facilitate your scholarship search
Arizona Community Foundation Scholarship Opportunities - The Arizona Community Foundation allows high school seniors and current college students in Arizona to apply for more than 100 scholarship awards with one general application. Applicants are matched with all awards for which they apply. The general application process begins in January each year and most deadlines are March 1 and May 1.
College Depot Scholarship Portal - College Depot, a college success organization housed in the Burton Barr Public Library, compiles an extensive list of available scholarships and updates it each year. Students can search by different eligibility requirements to find scholarships for which they can apply. Scholarship deadlines occur throughout the year, so it is advised to start the search early.
Dorrance Scholarship Programs - The Dorrance Scholarship provides a four-year scholarship, study abroad, and college advising to Arizona high school students who are the first in their families to go to college. The application opens in September and the deadline is in February each year.
Flinn Scholarship - The Flinn Scholarship offers a merit-based scholarship for high-achieving Arizona high school students. The Flinn program offers scholars tuition, housing at the university, study abroad, and support throughout the college years. The application opens in August and its deadline is in October each year.
Your College Scholarship Portal - One of the best places to look for scholarships is on your school’s scholarship portal. Each university or college will have a list of scholarships to apply for specifically for their students. Visit your school’s website and navigate to their scholarship information page.
Big Future - A free scholarship search platform to help you find scholarships designed for you.
finaid - A list of scholarships with different requirements like scholarships for Women, Latino Students, Creative, STEM, LGBTQ, Indigenous Students, Athletic & Gaming.
Public Service Academy Scholarship - Next Generation Service Corps provides a 4-year scholarship for first-year students or 2-year scholarship for transfer students.
Financial Aid
See below for a list of common resources for financial aid in college.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - The U.S. government offers college grants and loans based on the student’s financial needs. The first step is to fill out the free application to view the amount for which the student is eligible. Talk to your Program Specialist at BBBSAZ if you need help applying.
Arizona Student Financial Aid Programs - Browse and apply for grants and scholarships available for Arizona students.
College Depot Classes - College Depot, a college success organization housed in the Burton Barr Public Library, hosts workshops and classes to help students and families learn more about important steps in preparing for college. Important workshops pertaining to financial aid include Scholarships & Financial Aid Essentials, Money for College, and What is the FAFSA. Check out their website to view a list of their upcoming workshops.
Year Up - Year Up is a one-year program for college students that provides professional coaching, skill development, and internship placement for participants. Allows students to work and build their career skills while in college. Students can earn an educational stipend, earn eligible college credit, alumni network, and student services support.
Prepare College Success
See below for a list of resources you can use now to help you prepare for success in college.
ASU Summer Bridge Programs - ASU offers numerous summer programs for students of all ages. Many include programs that will help provide high school students for success during college. Search through this list based on interest, grade, or location, especially if the student is interested in attending Arizona State University.
NAU Summer Bridge Programs - NAU offers numerous summer programs for students of all ages. Many include programs that will help provide high school students for success during college, especially if the student is interested in attending Northern Arizona University.
UofA Summer Programs - - UofA offers numerous summer programs for students of all ages. Many include programs that will help provide high school students for success during college, especially if the student is interested in attending University of Arizona.
OnTrack - OnTrack is an e-learning platform to prepare students for college. They provide modules and a curriculum depending on the Little's grade. Talk to your Program Specialist to sign up through BBBSAZ.
Friendly House TRiO College & Career Readiness Program - The College & Career Readiness Department at Friendly House guides and informs youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, regardless of race or ethnicity, on how to start their path toward a college education by providing the necessary resources to achieve it. The program offers various services including a career exploration assessment, personal counseling to prepare for a post-secondary program, student financial assistance, assistance in completing college admissions, and financial aid application. To participate, students will complete their enrollment packet.
TRiO Summer Camp - A summer camp for high school students preparing to go to college. Students will learn important skills to do well in college including self-care, college readiness information, preventative presentations, and more. Summer 2021 was virtual but should be in-person moving forward.
College Depot Classes - College Depot, a college success organization housed in the Burton Barr Public Library, hosts workshops and classes to help students and families learn more about important steps in preparing for college. Important workshops pertaining to college readiness include Collegepallooza, Essay Essentials, Craft a Profession, etc. Check out their website to view a list of their upcoming workshops.
Upward Bound - TRIO Upward Bound is a summer program designed to help students improve their academic performance, increase student motivation, and assist the student transition from high school to college. The programs occur at ASU Tempe and ASU West. Visit their website to request more information.
Flescher’s Scholar’s Program - This program allows students interested in business to participate in the summer after their junior year. Students in the program will receive a free laptop, college course credit, learn academic success skills, and learn more about the business field. Apply for the program in the spring semester of junior year. The program is completed free for participants.
Access ASU - Access ASU is dedicated to increasing access to higher education for Arizona high school students. The program offers events and resources to students interested in pursuing higher education. Visit their website and fill out a contact card to get started.
Be a Leader Foundation - BALF provide events, opportunities, and resources to students interested in college after high school. Opportunities include a Senior Boot Camp for current 12th graders, parent support, and an annual college summit. Many high schools in the Valley also have a BALF club available for students to join.
Year Up - Year Up is a one-year program for college students that provides professional coaching, skill development, and internship placement for participants. Allows students to work and build their career skills while in college. Students can earn an educational stipend, earn eligible college credit, alumni network, and student services support.
College Exams and Practice
See below for a list of resources you can use to help you prepare for your college entrance exams.
ACT - Visit the ACT website to see upcoming test dates and register for the test. Many schools offer a waiver to help pay for the test fee. Talk to your school counselor about the waiver. Practice test opportunities are on their website, as well.
SAT - Visit the SAT website to see upcoming test dates and register for the test. Many schools offer a waiver to help pay for the test fee. Talk to your school counselor about the waiver. Practice test opportunities are on their website, as well.
Practice Tests - Both the ACT and SAT offer practice exams to help prepare for the test. You can buy a practice book new or check one out from your local library.
YouTube Instructional Videos - Search videos for SAT or ACT practice for numerous videos all about practicing and preparing for college entrance exams.
College Depot Classes - College Depot, a college success organization housed in the Burton Barr Public Library, hosts workshops and classes to help students and families prepare for college. They host a session specifically on college exams called Test Prep Essentials. Check out their website to view a list of their upcoming workshops.
Tutoring Resources
If you are interested in improving your grades, please visit our Community Resources page for an extensive list of tutoring resources.
EMPLOYMENT
Career Exploration Resources
See below for a list of resources to help you explore different career paths.
ARIZONA@WORK - assists youth ages 14-24 in their search for education or employment by utilizing labor market information, playing youth in work experience opportunities, a training grant for occupational skills training, and more.
O*Net Online - A database of detailed descriptions of the workforce and different career paths for job seekers and students. The website has statistics, information, job growth outlook information, etc. for all of your career exploration needs.
Build Your Future Arizona - Build Your Future Arizona hopes to bring awareness to the construction field, a career path for those interested in a skilled craft with lots of opportunities. The organization will help you get started in identifying the possibilities for your career.
ASA Futurescape - A unique aptitude and personality test that will connect students to career fields based on their interests and personality traits. Futurescape is 100% personalized and 100% free. Powered by real-time insights, it’s the only future exploration tool that learns and grows in sync with young people’s evolving strengths, passions, interests, and goals.
SciTech Institute - An organization that helps connect Arizona students to STEM/environmental events and opportunities to explore different career interests and paths.
GCU Career Exploration Summit - A two-day event geared toward high school students and community college students who want to prepare for the future and explore different career paths. Day one focuses on professional development, including interview preparation and leadership development. Day two focuses on different career paths from different colleges on campus.
BBBS Volunteers - If you are interested in a specific career and want to talk to someone in that field, talk to your Program Specialist. We have a network of Bigs from different backgrounds. Chances are we can find someone to talk to from the career field in which you are interested.
Career Fairs
If you are interested in finding employment, one of the several career fairs that happen throughout the year. See below for a list of career fairs that happen regularly.
ARIZONA@WORK - ARIZONA@WORK has events around the state to connect employers and job seekers to workforce-related improvement opportunities. From hiring events and job fairs to employment readiness workshops and training, we have it all. Individuals can also text AZATWORK to 22828 and get a list of job leads and events in the community.
Teen Workforce Initiative (TWI) - TWI hosts and shares upcoming hiring events specific to companies hiring teens and young adults. Sign up for their weekly newsletter or follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming hiring events, both virtual and in-person.
Resume Boosters / Career Skills
If you want to add some items to your resume before applying for jobs or scholarships, take a look at the list of opportunities below.
Teen Workforce Initiative (TWI) - TWI is a collaboration between St. Joseph the Worker and Dress for Success Phoenix to help teens and young adults become employable and employed. TWI provides access to resources and services that include one-on-one job coaching, transportation assistance, resume support, interview preparation, etc.
Teen Workforce Initiative Career Readiness Certification - TWI has a career readiness program that allows students to learn job skills and prepare for employment. At the end of the program, the student received a certificate of completion and can add the experience to their resumes and applications. Orientations are hosted on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
Y Achievers - Y Achievers is a program through the YMCA that helps youth in high school who are interested in entering the workforce, college, or a trade school. While participating in the program, youth will learn leadership skills, career planning, and skills that can be applied to multiple career paths.
U the Teen Leader - A leadership development class through U & Improved that helps high school students between 14-18 years old with their self-confidence, relationship-building skills, and personal values. The class helps with college, job interviews, career decisions, and all areas of developing positive, life-long habits. Scholarships are available.
Community Service
Please visit our Community Resources for a list of our youth-friendly volunteer opportunities. Also, see below for other ideas on volunteering.
BBBSAZ Match Events - BBBSAZ hosts regular events for matches throughout the year. We love to have matches volunteer to help run those events. Talk to your Program Specialist about helping at one of these events. You will be able to meet other matches and earn community service hours at the same time.
Teen Lifeline - Become a peer counselor for Teen Lifeline. The program offers services in suicide prevention and provides training to youth volunteers before they start taking calls. Youth must be 15 years or older, live in Maricopa County, have reliable transportation, and commit to 4 months as a volunteer. Submit a volunteer application on their website.
Prepare for Success in Employment
See below for a list of resources to help you find success in employment.
Dress for Success Phoenix - Through a partnership between Teen Workforce Initiative and Dress for Success Phoenix, students can get a free interview outfit. Littles can make an appointment to go to their boutique or have clothes delivered to them.
ENLISTMENT
General Military Information
See below for a list of resources if you are interested in enlisting or exploring your options with the military.
BBBS Volunteers - If you are interested in joining, talk to your Program Specialist. We have a network of Bigs from different backgrounds. Chances are we can find a current military member or veteran for you and your Big to talk to together.
USA.gov - Visit our government site to learn more about our military programs, how to get started, and requirements to enlist. This site also has general information about any qualification tests in place.
Today’s Military - Another source of great information for those interested in learning more about the military, including steps to enlist. This site has additional information and resources for the ASVAB Test, Boot Camp, and becoming an officer.
Military Branches
See below for a list of military branches. Each site will have a list of a recruiter you can talk to as well.
Air Force - The Air Force is responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips. Service members are known as airmen. Visit the website or call 1-800-423-8723 to speak to a recruiter.
Army - The Army is the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions. Service members are known as soldiers. Visit the website or call 1-888-550-2769 to speak to a recruiter.
Coast Guard - The Coast Guard is responsible for maritime law enforcement, including drug smuggling. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It secures ports, waterways, and coasts. Service members are knowns as Coast Guardsmen or Coasties. Visit the website for more information.
Marine Corp - The Marine Corp provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. The branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. All service members are known as Marines. Visit the website or call 1-800-627-4637 to speak to a recruiter.
Navy - The Navy protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Service members are known as sailors. Visit the website or call 1-800-872-6289 to speak to a recruiter.
Space Force - The Space Force is a new branch created in December 2019 which falls within the Department of the Air Force. It organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect the U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. Visit the website for more information.
Prepare for Success in the Military
See below for a list of resources to help you find success while enlisting.
ASVAB Test Information - The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. This site provides specific information about the exam and how to prepare.
Practice ASVAB Tests - Before you take the ASVAB, study this selection of sample test questions. Each question corresponds to one of the topics you can expect to find on the real test.
Aren’t finding what you are looking for? Please visit our Community Resources page for an extensive list of resources outside of career and college readiness.
A special thanks to our community partners!
