Arizona Center for Youth Resources

Creating Accredited, Alternative High School and Vocational Training Programs

Fast Facts

Location:

Phoenix, AZ

Sponsor:

Carrie Portis

Grant Years:

2026

Category:

Education and Job Training

Website:

www.acyraz.org

How Arizona Center for Youth Resources (ACYR) Is Making a Difference

ACYR launched in 1976 and operates in the Phoenix metropolitan area. ACYR helps young adults, typically 16-24-year-olds who are neither in school nor in the workforce, re-engage. Recognizing that these ‘opportunity youth’ had not been successful in traditional academic settings, the ACYR programs provide personalized support to enable participants to complete their high school/equivalency education and learn career-ready skills that will lead to future success.

Work of ACYR

  • Runs a fully accredited charter high school in downtown Phoenix that offers a safe space to reset, refocus, and graduate for students 13-21; schedules are flexible and combine academics with job readiness training.
  • Operates City View NOW, a personalized, online coursework program to help students 16-21 catch up on credits to earn a high school diploma.
  • Offers flexible Adult Education programs for adults 16+ that prepare them for GED/High School Equivalency, ESOL, and career certifications.
  • Provides a Pathways to Success service that connects students with resources to help them develop key skills and the resilience to complete school and/or gain employment.

Initiatives Supported by Project Redwood

2026: $40,000 will fund high school students’ attendance in a technology college while working toward their high school diploma. In year one, 450 students will participate and have the chance to complete this integrated credential training.