Live the Solution

Education is universally recognized as one of the most fundamental building blocks for human development and one of the strongest instruments for poverty reduction and revitalization of local communities from the inside out. Unfortunately, investing in education is difficult for low- to moderate-income families. Children of low- to moderate-income families are more likely to enter the workforce immediately after high school and, for those accepted to a four-year university, up to 40% will not enroll. Without further investment in higher education, the cycle of poverty continues.

Live the Solution’s (LTS) AZ Earn to Learn (AZEL) program provides scholarships, financial education, one-on-one financial coaching, college readiness training, and ongoing support to low- to moderate-income  individuals who plan on pursuing post-secondary education at one of Arizona’s three state universities (Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), and University of Arizona (UA)). Services are provided through a network of community collaborators that includes the Arizona Board of Regents, state universities, financial institution partners, high schools, community colleges, nonprofit partners, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assets for Independence (AFI) program. Eligible participants receive an unparalleled 8:1 match of up to $4500 per year ($2,000 university, $2,000 federal + $500 student/family) through an Individual Development Account (IDA). The IDA concept is a proven model to help LMI individuals and families develop assets, including education, in an effort to escape the cycle of poverty.