One of the most noble causes, in my opinion, is to encourage others in their pursuit of education. As President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona, I have seen countless lives changed because taxpayers, like you, chose to redirect their state tax dollars to support scholarships for underserved students. Education truly changes lives, empowers our economy, produces a stronger workforce and strengthens families.

Economic Empowerment

The benefits of education extend far beyond personal academic achievements. A well-rounded education can equip individuals with skills needed for success, foster effective habits and enhance cognitive abilities. It also enhances earning potential.

Consider these statistics highlighting the correlation between education levels and earning potential from The College Board’s Education Pays 2023 publication:

  • High School Diploma: $44,300
  • Associate’s Degree: $52,100
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $73,300
  • Master’s Degree: $87,300
  • Doctoral Degree: $102,700
  • Professional Degree: $121,600

Personal Growth and Wellbeing

Education is also a catalyst for personal growth. It instills confidence, encourages the exploration of options, and facilitates informed decision-making. As a result, the positive impact of education extends to families, communities and the workforce. By supporting education, we can play a vital role in fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Making a Difference

Recognizing the transformative power of education is essential, but turning that recognition into tangible support is equally crucial. You can be the reason a child receives a quality education. Support for education can take many forms—for example, supporting local universities and colleges, offering internships or career shadow days, and financially supporting educational programs.

Supporting Local Universities and College Programs

  • Collaborate on curriculum development to ensure that educational programs align with industry needs. I serve on the Grand Canyon University Advisory Board for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, advising on the curriculum and course projects.

Offering Internships and Career Shadow Days

  • Establish partnerships with local schools or universities to provide resources, mentorship programs, and internships. Through my connections with Grand Canyon University, my organization found interns to assist with projects and bolster our marketing department. Internships provide a mutually beneficial relationship, providing paid experience to the students while adding extra help to the organization.

Financially Supporting Educational Opportunities

  • Support the development of educational infrastructure, including modern classrooms and laboratories. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to schools closing in 2020, many schools began remote learning. However, many students did not have access to laptops at home. My organization, Catholic Education Arizona, led the effort and helped raise $112,500 in funding for 400 devices allowing students to have access to remote learning capabilities.

Paying It Forward

I was fortunate to grow up in a home where education was a priority and key to a bright future. My father wanted all his children to have a college degree. Although he did not have the opportunity, he did become a draftsman and drew over 210 plans for homes. My undergraduate degree is in Advertising and Marketing from Iowa State University’s Greenlee School of Communications, which I use daily in evaluating our brand and ensuring a consistent messaging and communication strategy is in place.

Twenty years ago, I continued my education by earning an MBA from Pepperdine University. With classes in finance, organizational behavior, marketing, strategy and statistics, the MBA taught me business on a deeper level. As a class of 30 students—ranging from marketers to finance professionals and even doctors—we often split up into five teams of six to work on group projects, presentations and business simulations together. This consistent teamwork helped develop my communication, presentation and execution skills. I am grateful for my education lens to evaluate decisions and help others pursue their educational goals and framework for purpose, service and leadership. It has led me to a life of fulfillment.

When we recognize how education directly impacts our workforce and economy, business leaders have a responsibility to support quality education. Supporting equal access to quality education, or improving educational programs, empowers students to become future leaders in their communities. Your individual and corporate tax credit contributions are changing lives! If you would like to learn more about redirecting your AZ Individual or Corporate State Tax Liability, visit CEAZ.org or call (602) 218-6542.

 

Source:

https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/education-pays-2023.pdf