College tours provide a valuable opportunity for high school students to plan their futures.
However, the cost of travel can be prohibitive to many families. This October, Mesa High School teacher Jenny Brierton was able to take her students on a four-state college tour, thanks to extracurricular activity (ECA) tax credit contributions from the community.
Jenny is a coordinator for Mesa High School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. AVID is a college readiness program designed to prepare students for life after high school, and one important component is to help students overcome obstacles and achieve success. With a cost of $675 per student, the college tour was a hardship for many of Jenny’s students. Luckily, ECA monies were available to fund 90 percent of the trip.
Jenny accompanied 48 students and four chaperones on the seven-school college tour, where they participated in team-building experiences and a visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
“Having the opportunity to experience college programs in person is a game changer,” Jenny shared. “It is the place where our students will call home during their college years. They need to feel comfortable, so they can continue to learn, grow and contribute as members of the community.”
Senior Yamiletzy Moreno shares that the AVID trip helped her select the college she will attend next fall. Without ECA, she wouldn’t have been able to experience what her future may hold.
“I made a lot of great friends on this trip and created unforgettable memories,” Yamiletzy said. “The most important part is that I got into one of the best business schools in Colorado, and I can’t wait to attend The University of Northern Colorado.”
The ECA tax credit program is an easy way to help Mesa’s students while enjoying a dollar-for-dollar credit. Each year, eligible Arizona taxpayers may donate up to $200, or $400, if filing jointly, to extracurricular programs. Eligible taxpayers will receive the money back as a credit when filing their state taxes.
“Every dollar counts when it comes to ECA monies,” said Carol Alexander, supervisor of student activities. “If a community member would like to contribute, but doesn’t have a specific student or school in mind, we can direct funds toward the schools that need it most.”
For more information or to contribute online, visit mpsaz.org/eca. Mesa residents are invited to call (480) 472-0133 with questions or to contribute via phone.