With fewer than half of the state’s working adults holding a degree, credential, or certificate, Arizonans’ future quality of life is at risk. As leaders deeply invested in Coconino County’s educational and economic prosperity, we stand united in our conviction that significant and urgent investment in education is essential to building a brighter future for our state and especially for the diverse communities of northern Arizona.
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Millions allocated to help Arizonans cover college costs
Article | July 14, 2025
Students who earn their bachelor’s degree from an Arizona university triple their earning potential compared to those with a high school diploma, according to the advocacy group Education Forward Arizona.

What Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” means for higher education in Arizona
Article | July 13, 2025
“Many students are dependent on Pell Grants to make education and training after high school affordable,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “As Arizona continues to increase investments in state-based financial aid programs, it’s critical that Arizona’s students can count on a robust federal Pell Grant …

As school year approaches, local districts struggle with ongoing freeze of federal funds and potential loss of programs
Article | July 10, 2025
“As cost is the No.1 barrier in (getting to college) as told to us by students, we feel pretty good about where Pell grants landed,” Rich Nickel, CEO of Education Forward Arizona said. The nonprofit includes a focus on the Achieve60AZ college attainment goal, which aims to get 60% of working Arizonans a college …