Learn more at www.aspiringyouth.org Aspiring Youth Academy empowers Title I and foster youth with entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial education, so they can build lives filled with confidence and possibility. Your gift may cost you nothing. AYA qualifies for both the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit. Direct Your Taxes Towards a Teen's Future GIVE HOPE. GIVE OPPORTUNITY. GIVE TODAY!

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 63 Origin Founded in 2008, Future Stars, Inc. was born on the basketball court. While coaching high school girls, Shereka Jackson — a Phoenix native and IT professional — noticed a disconnect between classroom learning and true college readiness, particularly in STEM. She launched the nonprofit with a mission as simple as it is profound: to ensure every child has the opportunity to shine. “We believe every child is a star,” Jackson said. “We want to make sure they have opportunity.” Best Known For The organization is a staple in the community thanks to its Hands-On STEM Program and Fair in South Phoenix. Most recently, the 10 th -anniversary event hosted over 450 attendees, during which 100 students walked away with iPads and hundreds more enjoyed community-building over local food trucks. LEADERSHIP Shereka Jackson Founder and executive director CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Coding a New Legacy Future Stars, Inc. closes the tech divide for Phoenix youth Future Stars founder Shereka Jackson joined Larry Fitzgerald and students at the ‘Beyond the Finish Line’ STEM education event at Phoenix Raceway.