MentorKids Stories & Updates
Press releases, MentorMoments, announcements, reflections, and real-life updates from across our Promise Neighborhoods.
The Kroger Foundation Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
The Kroger Foundation has awarded a grant to MentorKids USA in support of the LEAD After-School Program. The funding will help provide nutritious snacks and essential program supplies for K–8 students participating in MentorKids USA’s no-cost after-school programming across six Promise Neighborhoods in the Phoenix area.
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce support from The Kroger Foundation for the organization’s LEAD After-School Program.
LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Enrichment, Academics, and Discovery, is MentorKids USA’s no-cost after-school program serving K–8 students. Through reading, homework assistance, leadership development, enrichment, healthy living activities, and relationships with caring adults, LEAD provides a safe and supportive environment where students can build academic confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and grow toward their full potential.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Kroger Foundation for investing in the everyday experiences that help our students thrive,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA.
MentorKids USA currently provides LEAD programming through six Promise Neighborhoods in South Phoenix, Palomino in North Phoenix, Paiute in South Scottsdale, Maryvale, Tempe, and Sunnyslope. The program focuses on both short- and long-term student success by providing individualized support that recognizes each student’s unique strengths and challenges.
Support from The Kroger Foundation will help MentorKids USA provide nutritious snacks and essential program supplies used throughout LEAD activities. These practical resources help create welcoming, well-equipped spaces where students can focus, participate, and make the most of programming provided at no cost to families.
Download the Official Press Release
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]
WESPAC Charities Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
WESPAC Charities has awarded a grant to MentorKids USA in support of year-round youth development programming across our six Promise Neighborhoods, helping students grow academically, personally, and as developing leaders.
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce that it has received a generous grant from WESPAC Charities in support of the organization’s year-round youth development programming.
MentorKids USA serves more than 600 K–12 youth each year through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Valley. Through LEAD, its K–8 after-school program; the Summer Enrichment Program; and iLEAD, its high school leadership and workforce development program, MentorKids provides youth with academic support, mentorship, leadership development, enrichment, workforce preparation, and opportunities for personal growth. All programming is provided at no cost to families.
“We are incredibly grateful to WESPAC Charities for investing in MentorKids USA and the young people we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “Their commitment to strengthening Arizona communities closely aligns with our belief that lasting change begins by investing in young people and equipping them to become leaders in their lives, families, and communities.”
MentorKids USA’s Promise Neighborhood model establishes a long-term presence within the communities it serves, with programming currently offered in South Phoenix, Palomino in North Phoenix, Paiute in South Scottsdale, Maryvale, Tempe, and Sunnyslope.
WESPAC’s commitment to giving back is rooted in strengthening the communities that shape Arizona’s future. MentorKids USA is grateful to partner with WESPAC Charities in creating lasting opportunities for young people and stronger communities across the Valley. To learn more about WESPAC Charities, visit www.wespacaz.com/charity.
Download the Official Press Release
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]
Executive Council Charities Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA has received a grant from Executive Council Charities to strengthen LEAD, its no-cost after-school program providing K–8 students with academic support, mentorship, enrichment, and leadership development across six Promise Neighborhoods.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2026
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce that it has received a generous grant from Executive Council Charities in support of the organization’s LEAD After-School Program.
LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Enrichment, Academics, and Discovery, is MentorKids USA’s no-cost after-school program serving K–8 students four days each week. Through daily reading, homework assistance and small-group academic support, leadership development, enrichment, healthy living activities, and relationships with caring adults, LEAD provides a safe and supportive environment where students can build academic confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and grow toward their full potential.
“We are incredibly grateful to Executive Council Charities for this investment in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “Their support helps us provide students with consistent opportunities to learn, develop as leaders, and recognize the potential they have to positively influence their families and communities.”
MentorKids USA currently provides LEAD programming through six Promise Neighborhoods in South Phoenix, Palomino in North Phoenix, Paiute in South Scottsdale, Maryvale, Tempe, and Sunnyslope. The program focuses on both short- and long-term student success by providing individualized support that recognizes each student’s unique strengths and challenges.
Funding from Executive Council Charities will help MentorKids USA sustain and strengthen LEAD programming, ensuring students have access to consistent academic support, mentorship, enrichment, and leadership development throughout the school year.
To learn more about Executive Council Charities, visit www.ec70phx.com.
For more information about MentorKids USA and its programs, visit www.mentorkidsusa.org.
Download the Official Press Release
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]
John F. Long Foundation Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA has received a grant from the John F. Long Foundation to support free, year-round programming in the Maryvale Promise Neighborhood. The investment will help students grow academically, develop as leaders, and prepare for their futures.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2026
Phoenix, AZ — MentorKids USA is grateful to announce that it has received a grant from the John F. Long Foundation to support youth and families served through the Maryvale Promise Neighborhood.
Through its Maryvale Promise Neighborhood, MentorKids USA provides free, year-round programming designed to help under-resourced youth grow academically, develop leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for their futures. Programming includes LEAD, MentorKids USA’s K–8 after-school program; the Summer Enrichment Program; and iLEAD My Generation, its four-year high school leadership and workforce training program.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, MentorKids USA served 60 students in Maryvale, followed by 73 youth during the 2026 Summer Enrichment Program.
“We are deeply grateful to the John F. Long Foundation for continuing to invest in the young people and families of Maryvale,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “Their support helps us continue providing the academic support, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities young people need to thrive.”
This investment supports MentorKids USA’s long-term commitment to walking alongside young people from elementary school through high school graduation and beyond, equipping them to become transformative leaders in their lives, families, and communities.
Learn more about the John F. Long Foundation.
For more information about MentorKids USA and its programs, visit www.mentorkidsusa.org.
Download the Official Press Release
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]
The Charro Foundation Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
A grant from The Charro Foundation will help MentorKids USA continue providing mentorship, academic support, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities for K–12 students in the Paiute Promise Neighborhood.
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce it has received a generous grant from The Charro Foundation in support of youth leadership and development programs within its Paiute Promise Neighborhood in South Scottsdale.
Established in 2018, the Paiute Promise Neighborhood provides year-round support for local youth through after-school programming, summer enrichment opportunities, mentorship, academic support, and leadership development. Currently serving 60 K–12 students, Paiute creates opportunities for young people to build the skills, confidence, and relationships needed for long term success.
"We are deeply grateful to The Charro Foundation for investing in the lives of students and families in South Scottsdale," said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. "Support from community partners like The Charro Foundation helps ensure that young people have access to meaningful opportunities that strengthen academic achievement, leadership development, and long-term success."
MentorKids USA currently serves more than 600 K–12 youth annually through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Through comprehensive, no-cost youth development programs, MentorKids supports students academically, socially, and personally from elementary school through high school graduation.
For more information about MentorKids USA and its programs, visit www.mentorkidsusa.org.
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Awards Summer Reading Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA received a generous summer reading grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in support of its no-cost Summer Enrichment Program. The funding will help provide literacy materials, educational resources, and reading-focused activities for more than 300 students across six Promise Neighborhoods, strengthening reading skills and supporting academic engagement during the summer months.
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce it has received a generous grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation in support of Summer Reading and our no-cost Summer Enrichment Program.
MentorKids USA’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) provides K–8 students in underserved communities with consistent literacy support, academic enrichment, and hands-on learning opportunities during critical out-of-school time. A core focus of the program is strengthening reading skills through daily reading activities, small-group literacy instruction, and engaging educational experiences. Through a safe, supportive environment, students build confidence, improve academic engagement, and develop the foundational skills needed for long-term success. Funding from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports these literacy efforts and helps ensure this programming is provided at no cost to families.
Currently serving students across six Promise Neighborhoods throughout the Valley, MentorKids USA’s Summer Enrichment Program will support more than 300 youth this summer through literacy enrichment, leadership development, STEAM activities, healthy living education, and relationship centered mentorship.
Support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation will help provide literacy materials, educational resources and reading-focused activities that encourage students to strengthen their reading skills, remain academically engaged during the summer months, and build a lifelong love of learning.
About MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is a faith-based nonprofit equipping K–12 students to become transformative leaders in their families and communities. Through six Promise Neighborhoods across the Phoenix area, MentorKids provides no-cost programs focused on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. From elementary school through high school, students are surrounded by consistent relationships and opportunities to learn, lead, and invest in others—Building Leaders Who Build Leaders.
Media Contact
Jill Bailey
Development Director, MentorKids USA
480-767-6707 | [email protected]