MISSION:
Give Now

The Aspire Arizona Foundation (AAF) is a local Payson-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 2013. Its initial focus was to support building a university campus in Payson and provide scholarships for Rim Country students enrolled at the proposed campus. When no university partner was found for a Payson campus, the all-volunteer Board of Directors explored other ways to support Payson students in their quest for higher education.

In July 2015, members of the AAF Board learned that AP Physics and Chemistry (important prerequisites for college) were being eliminated at Payson High School due to low enrollments. AAF met with Gila Community College (GCC) and high school administrators who recommended exploring dual enrollment programs which would allow students to take academic college-level courses and receive both high school and college credit while in high school. AAF decided that the best way to assure broad participation was to offer free dual-credit general education courses at the high school. The first dual-credit courses were offered in the Fall of 2016. Initially, AAF paid for one course per semester and parents/student paid for additional credits. In the Fall of 2018, AAF realized that some families couldn’t afford to take extra classes. In Spring 2019, AAF began paying tuition for up to 3 general education courses per semester.

AAF makes a college education Attainable, Accessible and Affordable for Payson students.

  • Spring 2025

    AAF Tuition paid for Payson students exceed $500,000 for 674 students.

  • Fall 2024

    Highest Fall enrollment ever – 146 students.

  • 2024

    Over 1000 credits earned for 2023-24 school year: Total 7,850 credits since inception.

  • 2023

    College credits earned reach 6,789. Three $5,000 scholarships granted. Local fundraising exceeds $100,000 per year.

  • 2022

    Tuition paid by AAF since inception exceeds $300,000. Local fundraising increases to $84,000. First golf tournament.

  • 2021

    Dual-credit cumulative college credits earned exceeds 5,000.

  • Fall 2020

    Covid impacts dual-credit program. Enrollment falls to 85 students. Local fundraising doubles to $40,000/year.

  • Spring 2019

    With support of MHA, AAF increases tuition support for up to 3 classes per semester. Families pay nothing. AAF tuition paid since inception reaches $200,000. Over 135 students enrolled.

  • Fall 2018

    AAF rewards students who earn A’s by paying for a second course. Tuition budget: $55,000.

  • Fall 2017

    Local fundraising over $20,000. First contribution from the Holbrook Pyle Foundation. First Aspire Scholars breakfast.

  • Fall 2016

    First dual-credit courses offered at Payson High School in partnership with GCC. 100 students enrolled – tuition $32,000. AAF pays tuition for 1 class. Families pay for additional classes ($15,100).

  • Fall 2015

    AAF researches the dual-credit model. First Fall Fundraising campaign raises $7,500.

  • Sept 2015

    AAF meets with GCC and PHS representatives to discuss how to provide college prerequisites for Payson students.

  • July 2015

    Payson High School stops offering AP Chemistry and Physics courses due to low enrollment/budget issues.

  • Aug 2014

    Aspire Arizona Foundation reviews 501(c)3 designation from IRS.

  • Fall 2013

    Supporters of the Payson University campus initiative form the Aspire Arizona Foundation.