MentorKids Stories & Updates

Press releases, MentorMoments, announcements, reflections, and real-life updates from across our Promise Neighborhoods.

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]

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LEAD, Grant Awards, Promise Neighborhoods Audrey Gallinger LEAD, Grant Awards, Promise Neighborhoods Audrey Gallinger

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.

Two MentorKids students smile together as one holds a gold medal and a Big Brother Award certificate.

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]

Read More