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

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 31, 2015

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.

About A for Arizona
A for Arizona exists to support and expand the number of A-quality public school models, especially those who serve primarily low-income students. The program is a project of the Arizona Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For additional information on A for Arizona or how you can support its efforts, please visit http://www.AforAZ.org.

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation inspires hope by providing critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference. The Foundation primarily focuses on issues in the greater Phoenix area. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation believes every person is entitled to an education, good nutrition, medical care, a stress-free, happy environment and the hope that they too, will share in the American Dream. The Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are successfully addressing these essential needs. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is also committed to the children of Haiti, helping to grow and improve schools, medical services and overall well-being for communities in rural Haiti. tbrpf.org.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/09/prweb12933676.htm

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