MentorKids Stories & Updates
Press releases, MentorMoments, announcements, reflections, and real-life updates from across our Promise Neighborhoods.
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.
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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]
OneAZ Community Foundation Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is growing its iLEAD My Generation program thanks to a new grant from OneAZ Community Foundation — empowering high schoolers to lead, earn, and serve their communities.
Phoenix, AZ – MentorKids USA is honored to announce it has received a generous grant from OneAZ Community Foundation in support of its iLEAD My Generation Program – an innovative four-year high school leadership and mentoring initiative.
The iLEAD My Generation program (Leadership, Exploration, Academics, and Discovery) equips high school students in underserved communities with critical job training, academic support, and leadership development. A defining feature of the program is its paid mentorship model, where participants serve as assistant teachers and role models for younger children in MentorKids’ afterschool and summer programs. Through this hands-on experience, students build real-world skills, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
“We are incredibly grateful to the OneAZ Community Foundation for this generous investment in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “This funding allows us to deepen our impact and expand opportunities for students to grow into confident, capable leaders within their families and communities.”
Currently serving students in South Phoenix, North Phoenix (Palomino), South Scottsdale (Paiute), and the Maryvale Promise Neighborhoods, iLEAD is transforming the trajectory of teens at high risk of becoming disconnected—those who are neither in school nor working. The program consistently demonstrates strong outcomes in school attendance, academic achievement, leadership development, and high school graduation.
Support from the OneAZ Community Foundation will help sustain and expand iLEAD My Generation, ensuring more students are empowered to graduate high school and take meaningful next steps toward college, careers, and lifelong success.
For more information about MentorKids USA and its programs, visit www.mentorkidsusa.org.
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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]