In this episode David Gryp, Catholic school graduate, parent, and supporter,  shares opportunities for families, schools, churches, and nonprofits that are available through Notre Dame Federal Credit Union.  With a philosophy rooted in helping families to maximize their money and prioritize their life goals through strategic saving and spending, David shares why people should consider a partnership with a credit union.  NDFCU wants to help nonprofits and individuals succeed, so they believe in spending time with members and creating financial pathways that make their dreams possible.  Schools and churches can also expand their fundraising efforts through a partnership with NDFCU.  To learn about how you can become a member of NDFCU and maximize your dollars with an institution that truly believes in stewardship, check out this episode!

In this episode, Sister Mary Jordan Hoover shares the story of how she was sent to Phoenix to lead a school that had not even been built yet.  In 2016, she moved to Avondale, AZ after her order, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, received an invitation from Bishop Olmsted to staff and lead the brand new high school.  St. John Paul Catholic High School was the only Catholic high school built in the United States that year.  The commitment to Catholic education shown by the Diocese of Phoenix gave Sister Mary Jordan and three fellow Sisters the confidence to bring the vision of the school to life.  In 2021, St. JPII just graduated its first class and thus was able to have its first homecoming game and dance.  With 37 graduates all headed off to school in the fall, the list of successes grows.  Sister Mary Jordan, who has been a principal in 5 dioceses, shares her perspective on starting from scratch, creating culture, and being able to provide scholarship assistance to families through tax credit contributions to STOs like CEA.  The beauty of Arizona's tax credit legislation is that it makes Catholic education available to any family that wants it, not just the wealthy or elite.  Catholic schools can be authentically Catholic because those who choose Catholic schools do so to bring Jesus Christ into the lives of their children every day.  To learn more about the philosophy, charisms, culture, and curriculum of St. JPII Catholic School, check out this episode!

In this episode, Domonic Salce, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix, shares his insights on what makes Catholic schools stand out.  Despite the challenges schools faced during the pandemic, Catholic schools have thrived and increased enrollment this year, a true testament to their performance during a trying time.  Domonic and Nancy discuss the legislative expansions that have allowed more students and families access to Catholic schools.  Domonic explains that while it seems too good to be true, taxpayers in the state of Arizona, both individuals and companies, can choose to direct their state tax liability to scholarships for students.  To learn more about Catholic schools, tax credit scholarships, and superintendent Domonic Salce, check out this episode!

In the episode Katie Lyon shares her experiences as a teacher and leader in California and now in Arizona as the new principal at St. Mary Basha Catholic School in Chandler.  In her first year she plans to listen and learn about her new community but already sees the traditions, community, and family environment of this long-standing school.  With her roots in the Kyrene school district, Katie is happy to be back in the east valley with her family.  She hopes to help many families learn the value of Catholic education and understand that any family can qualify for tax credit scholarships in Arizona.  Spreading the news about Catholic Education Arizona and educating families on accessible, affordable Catholic education is a priority. To learn more about St. Mary Basha Catholic School and its new principal, Katie Lyon, check out this episode!

In this episode, Principal Javier Bravo and Dean Ryan Costello reveal an amazing new program unique to Bourgade and to the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools that allows students to engage in career and technical programs.  Meeting the needs of students and creating pathways of significant opportunity has always been a goal for Bourgade.  However, a new reality has dawned at Bourgade that allows students to pursue training and certifications in programs such as medical assisting, emergency medical technicians, aesthetician certificates, and even an electrician program.  More possibilities are being explored to provide even greater opportunities for students as they pursue Catholic social teachings, college preparation, and now career certifications.  Bourgade and CEA have shared a long partnership with a common mission to make Catholic education accessible and affordable to all that seek it.  To learn more about the exciting things happening at Bourgade and how you can help create future leaders, check out this episode.

Kim and Deb are back together again on the Creating Future Leaders podcast!  This time, they discuss the new changes to the Arizona Corporate Low Income, Disabled Displaced, and Switcher state tax credit scholarships that make more Arizona children eligible to choose a private education.  As more families move into Arizona and more families consider options in private education, it is important for them to understand all the ways they can qualify for a number of state tax credit scholarships.  Whether coming from public school, home school, or even out of state, there are scholarship options for most families! The recent changes in the law are creating opportunities for choice in Arizona.  To learn more, check out this podcast!

In this episode, former CEA Board Member and current corporate partner Jeff Mirasola shares his company's philosophy and values that make Lumen/CenturyLink a significant supporter in the community and contributor to tax credit scholarships.  Supporting a number of organizations including CEA's corporate tax credit program, Lumen/CenturyLink believes in the importance of providing opportunities for families regardless of their personal or socioeconomic situation. Everyone deserves choices in life, and Lumen/CenturyLink's commitment to quality education has provided scholarships for many students.  Learn Jeff's other community contributions and connections to Catholic schools in this spirited, fun, and informative episode.  To learn more about the power of corporate partnership and its impact on the lives of children and families in Arizona, check out this episode!

In this episode, Diocese of Phoenix Retired Superintendent MaryBeth Mueller shares the history of tax credit scholarship legislation in Arizona.  MaryBeth was Superintendent of Schools when tax credit scholarships came into law and immediately prompted the creation of a school tuition organization for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.  Catholic Tuition Organization Diocese of Phoenix (CTODP) was one of the first STOs created in 1998.  This new venture created opportunities for schools and families to expand accessibility to private education throughout the state and benefitted the Catholic schools from the start.  MaryBeth shares the process of building the organization, early efforts toward teaching people about the tax credits and scholarships, and contending with the challenges of a new nonprofit start up.  CTODP is now known as Catholic Education Arizona, and in its 24th year of operation, some of the same challenges still exist.  To learn more about the history of tax credits and how CEA came to be the second largest STO in the state, check out this podcast! 

In this episode, Jeff Leonard shares the rich history of Immaculate Conception Catholic School's humble beginnings in a farm house to its current location and growth from 10 students to 200.  Leveraging tax credit scholarships, forming relationships, and telling success stories helps the message of Catholic education reach families in Cottonwood and nearby communities.  Tony and Nancy discuss the importance of healthy culture to the strength of an organization.  Nancy, Jeff and Tony reflect on the recent corporate event that was held at Immaculate Conception to spread the word about the corporate tax credit program and how local businesses can support the school through taxes they already have to pay.  Jeff talks about the importance of the individual tax credit and how it has been promoted throughout the years to support IC families and his hopes for more corporate partners to help fund tuition for even more families.  To learn more about Immaculate Conception Catholic School and efforts to raise awareness of the corporate tax credit, check out this podcast.  

In this episode, Creating Future Leaders and The Bishop's Hour collaborate for a spirited conversation about the way Catholic education has impacted the lives of families and society as well as the four unique tax credit programs that allow families to receive assistance to pay for private education in the state of Arizona.  Jennifer and Andrea share their experiences as parents and people of faith.  Deb talks about the individual tax credit process and its impact as well as the corporate tax credit program that makes Catholic education possible for any family that seeks it for their children.  In this conversation the why, how, and what of both Catholic education and tax credits are covered.  As a collaboration podcast, all hosts share their appreciation for partnership with our Catholic affiliates and reveal some new projects coming up this fall.  To learn more, check out this podcast!

In CFL's 30th episode, Amy Pfeifer and Nancy Padberg discuss the impact of educational service organizations on the lives of individuals and communities.  Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona partners with Catholic Education Arizona to provide tax credit scholarships for students in the program that attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.  Amy shares success stories of current students and program graduates.   Students served by Boys Hope Girls Hope can enter the program as early as 6th grade and remain supported until college graduation.  Many Boys Hope Girls Hope students are first generation college students and, through their experience with BHGH, learn the value of service and community.  Catholic Education Arizona and Boys Hope Girls Hope share a common mission in serving the underserved and making quality, private education possible for students who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.   Learn the history of Boys Hope Girls Hope and how their partnership with CEA doubles the impact, changes lives, and creates future leaders together.

Josh Ruggiero wasn't always a Catholic school supporter.  However, after marrying a former Catholic school teacher, taking over the family business, and having a family, he had a change of heart.  In this episode, Josh Ruggiero shares why he, as his uncle did before him, chooses to partner with Catholic Education Arizona for the Corporate Low Income Tax Credit Program to create scholarships for families that seek a faith-based education for their children.  Despite a strong loyalty to his public school upbringing, Ruggiero explains why he chooses Catholic education for his own children and acknowledges the the financial sacrifice families make when they choose Catholic schools.  In Arizona, thanks to tax credit scholarships, Catholic education can be a reality for all families, despite their economic situation.  Josh and Colleen discuss the ease of partnership for corporations, the benefits to businesses that participate, and how CEA and its contributors create future leaders one scholarship at a time.

In this episode, Monica Villalobos and Nancy Padberg discuss the ways both AZHCC and Catholic Education Arizona work to change the future of Arizona by supporting the current and future workforces in different ways and making the needs of the community a priority.  The Arizona Hispanic Chamber looks out for the interests of small but mighty (and sometimes vulnerable) businesses that are owned by or largely serve minority constituents.   Through a common mission and value—supporting quality education for all people—AZHCC and CEA find common ground.  Monica shares insights on the way AZHCC partners with other organizations such as Helios Education Foundation to support educational initiatives in Arizona as well.  To learn more about they ways CEA and AZHCC have joined forces toward a common mission, check out this episode.

Dan Salter and Nancy Padberg, MBA discuss Dignity Memorial as a foundational piece of the communities in Phoenix and as a national company.  Dignity Memorial is a corporate partner with Catholic Education Arizona that supports Boys Hope Girls Hope through CEA’s corporate tax credit program.  Dan speaks to the importance of Boys Hope Girls Hope as an organization that provides hope and opportunity to children who may not have otherwise been able to attend Catholic schools and change the trajectory of their future.  Dan regards Catholic education as the Gold Standard of private education and is proud to be a partner with CEA and a supporter of BHGH.  Dan and Nancy also address the ease and the benefits for corporations that choose to direct their state tax dollars to scholarships for students.  To learn more about corporate partnership with CEA, check out this podcast.

D.J. Cole shares his experiences as a tax credit contributor as an individual and corporate partner, parent of Catholic school children, a Catholic school graduate, and CEA board member with CEA’s President & CEO, Nancy Padberg.  As a corporate partner whose company’s core values align with CEA’s, it makes sense for CCMC to use its tax liability to directly impact the lives of families and give children a chance at a high-quality, Christ centered education.  D.J. talks with Nancy about the progress CEA has made throughout the years and since the corporate tax credit came into existence in 2006.  With the impact that the corporate scholarships make, even more students can experience Catholic school, become service-oriented leaders, and become prepared to make an impact on the world in significant ways, thanks to CEA and their contributors.