named programs · 6 · from sources
what they call their work
Academic Readiness Development
Evaluates college-level academic skills, provides remediation and acceleration opportunities, and exposes students to college-level coursework.
Career Exploration and Planning
Includes career interest assessments, industry exploration activities, job shadowing, and internship programs with Phoenix metro area employers.
College Application Support
Provides guidance on college selection, application completion assistance, essay writing coaching, and financial aid application support.
Financial Literacy Education
Covers budgeting, credit management, student loans, scholarship search strategies, college cost analysis, and long-term financial planning.
Next Big Step (NBS) Program
A comprehensive workforce development program addressing all aspects of post-secondary preparation through five integrated components delivered throughout students' high school experience.
Professional Skills Development
Develops workplace communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, resume development, and interview preparation skills.
activities · 6 clusters
what they do
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Youth Workforce & Education Pathways 2 activities
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) ProgramsOffers hands-on career and technical education programs in partnership with West-MEC and other trade schools, enabling students to earn industry certifications and gain real-world experience in high-demand fields like automotive, cosmetology, welding, and healthcare.
- Deliver career and technical education through industry partnershipsOffers hands-on career and technical education programs in partnership with West-MEC, enabling students to earn industry certifications and gain real-world experience in fields such as automotive, cosmetology, welding, and healthcare while completing high school.
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Career Pathways & Workforce Training 2 activities
- Facilitate work-based learning and career exploration experiencesConnects students with real-world career experiences through guest speakers, internships, field trips, and virtual work-based projects with professional mentorship, supported by partnerships with over 40 employers in the Phoenix metro area.
- Workforce Development and InternshipsConnects students with real-world work experiences through virtual and in-person internships with over 40 Phoenix metro area employers, guest speakers, and field trips to local businesses, alongside job readiness training, resume building, and interview preparation.
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Job Readiness Training 1 activity
- Deliver job readiness and workforce placement supportProvides job readiness training, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation, connecting workforce-bound students with local employers; 82% secure employment within 90 days at an average starting wage of $15.50/hour.
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Post-Secondary Transition Support 1 activity
- Maintain high academic persistence and graduation outcomesSupports student success with a 100% On Track to Graduate rate and 87% college persistence rate after the first year, serving approximately 1,500 students across Arizona.
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FAFSA & Scholarship Application Support 1 activity
- Provide personalized college preparation and application supportSupports college-bound students with comprehensive guidance on applications, financial aid (including FAFSA), major selection, and admissions timelines, resulting in 94% of college-bound graduates being accepted to their first-choice Arizona institutions.
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Uncategorized 5 activities
- College Application and Financial Aid AssistanceSupports students applying to college by assisting with applications, financial aid (including FAFSA), major selection, admissions timelines, and connecting them with local colleges and universities.
- High School Education and Post-Secondary PreparationProvides high school education and comprehensive support for students in Arizona, serving approximately 1,500 students, with a focus on preparing them for college, military service, or direct entry into the workforce. This includes personalized coaching, career exploration, and academic guidance.
- Operate personalized college and career readiness program (Next Big Step)Runs the Next Big Step (NBS) program, which delivers individualized college and career preparation to high school students in the Phoenix metropolitan area, supported by student coaches at a 50:1 ratio.
- Secure post-secondary enrollment and scholarship successSupports 89% of accepted students to enroll in post-secondary programs and helps students secure an average of $12,000 in scholarship awards.
- Support military career pathways for studentsProvides guidance on military enlistment, career paths, and benefits, and partners with recruiters and veterans to support students interested in military service.
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financials · form 990 · fy2021
the money
revenue
Total revenue$6.93M
Contributions & grants$6.93M100%
Program service revenue$8390%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$6.27M
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead30%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$2.09M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$6.19M
Cash$3.81M
Investments$0
Liabilities$974K
Net assets$5.22M
Liquid reserves7.3 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +31.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021
who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHANNON SMITH | SECRETARY | — | $130K |
| TIMOTHY SMITH | PRESIDENT | — | $130K |
board members · 3
- DANELL STEPHENSON — DIRECTOR
- JULI DEDDO — DIRECTOR
- KELLY HICKS — DIRECTOR
relationships · 15
who they work with
- Arizona State University Partner — Maintains active partnerships including campus visits, admissions workshops, dual enrollment opportunities, and transfer pathway planning.
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College Partner — Maintains strong partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions for students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Partner — Maintains connections with private Arizona institutions.
- Glendale Community College Partner — Maintains strong partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions for students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs.
- Grand Canyon University Partner — Maintains connections with private Arizona institutions.
- Learning Matters Educational Group Network — ThrivePoint Arizona is part of the ThrivePoint Academy network operated by Learning Matters Educational Group
- Mesa Community College Partner — Maintains strong partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions for students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs.
- Northern Arizona University Partner — Maintains active partnerships including campus visits, admissions workshops, dual enrollment opportunities, and transfer pathway planning.
- Phoenix College Partner — Maintains strong partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions for students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs.
- Prescott College Partner — Maintains connections with private Arizona institutions.
- Scottsdale Community College Partner — Maintains strong partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions for students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs.
- University of Arizona Partner — Maintains active partnerships including campus visits, admissions workshops, dual enrollment opportunities, and transfer pathway planning.
- WBLA Partner — Partner organization providing virtual internships for students
- West-MEC Partner — Collaborates to provide students with hands-on career and technical education programs, industry certifications, and real-world experience.
- West-MEC Partner — Trade school partner connecting students with vocational training and industry-recognized credentials