The LEO Foundation’s Foster Youth Scholarship Program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for youth in the foster care system. Currently, over 11,000 children are in foster care in Arizona, with 30 new children entering the system daily. Statistics show that 800 young men and women age out of the system each year, often finding themselves in survival mode and struggling to meet basic needs like food and housing instead of planning for their future.

Our program is designed to help these youth overcome these challenges by offering scholarships to cover tuition, fees, books, equipment, meal plans, and room and board. These scholarships are specifically for qualified Arizona foster care students who are interested in pursuing higher education.

Applicants still in the system, as well as those who have aged out but have filed the appropriate documentation with the state, are eligible to apply.

The LEO Foundation is a proud partner of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation.

The Impact Leadership Program aims to cultivate a generation of leaders dedicated to making the world a better place by teaching students the critical elements of leadership.

At the LEO Foundation, we believe that leadership support directly influences future careers and success. This program empowers future leaders by helping students develop essential skills such as analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, and having the confidence, motivation, and ability to achieve them. The Impact Leadership Program challenges graduates to become individuals whose skills, integrity, and purpose distinguish them in the workplace and beyond. By connecting today’s leaders with the leaders of tomorrow, we invest in a future that builds strong communities, transforms individuals, and develops the next generations of philanthropists and servant leaders.

The Impact Leadership Program includes a mentorship track to foster advocacy, collaboration, learning, and sharing. This track enhances leadership development opportunities for student role models and mentors. The program begins at the freshman level and continues through graduation, supporting students as they transition into their young professional careers. First-year students engage with senior-level students, while seniors are connected to alumni. The mentor/mentee experience helps shape students into strong servant leaders and the next generation of ambassadors and volunteers.

Get involved by making a financial donation or becoming a mentor.

The LEO Foundation has a long history of connecting students from low-income families to a wide variety of growth opportunities, including educational and athletic programs.

In collaboration with the Arizona Basketball Association, the LEO Foundation offers fall, winter, and spring basketball league opportunities, culminating in a three-week summer camp in June. Through basketball, Arizona youth are exposed to a positive sports environment and coaching mentorship that teaches life lessons such as leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Studies show that kids who play sports achieve up to 40% higher test scores and are 15% more likely to attend college. The Youth Development Academy aims to make an early positive impact, providing encouragement as kids progress through their primary and secondary education.

The LEO Foundation is a proud partner of the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association.