New Start has been a part of the University of Arizona campus for almost 50 years. The impact that New Start has had on over 13,000 UA students and alumni is evident in the extensive alumni following and support. Each year, New Start introduces students to the UA campus, connects them with invaluable resources and support, and helps in their transition to college life. Many of New Start’s alumni and friends go on to make great contributions to their fields and many of them attribute that success to their New Start beginnings.

New Start continues to commit to college access for all. Through University funding, New Start is able to offer all Pell Grant-eligible students the Pell Promise, which covers the full cost of New Start tuition, student fees, and housing. In addition, New Start offers all Arizona residents and Native students from qualifying tribes a resident tuition reduction of nearly 70%, providing more students the opportunity to participate in the program.

In addition, New Start has been successful in maintaining financial resources for students in the program through many donor-funded opportunities. For example, the New Start Friends & Alumni Scholarship will cover up to the full cost of New Start for non-Pell Grant eligible students who still demonstrate financial need. For summer 2017, New Start funded over $25,000 worth of Friends & Alumni Scholarships thanks to the contributions of alumni and community partners.

Crowdfunded donor contributions have also allowed some additional support for the New Start Academic Conference. In teams of three, students compete for recognition and scholarships during the 2-day conference. Academic Conference Awards totaling $9,000 went to the research projects for the Best Research, Best Innovation, and Best Creativity.

Recently, students completing New Start had the opportunity to apply for a First-Year Scholarship toward the following academic year. This scholarship took into account the student’s academic merit and financial need. Over $22,000 in scholarships were awarded to New Start students for the 2017-2018 academic year, partially funded by the New Start Endowment.

Opportunities like the ones listed above would not be possible without your continued passion and support for New Start. We thank you for your commitment and hope that together, we can continue to provide access and opportunity for our students.

Please consider donating to New Start to continue this Wildcat tradition!