At Project FOCUS, we take confidentiality very seriously and make it a top priority. We understand how crucial it is to safeguard sensitive information about both our amazing students and dedicated Peer Mentors. That’s why we have robust systems and protocols in place to ensure the utmost discretion at all times. Students and peer mentors meet weekly with staff to discuss any issues that may have arisen, get their pressing questions answered, and receive targeted guidance to support success. Our students get to take the reins by leading their own IEP meetings, which empowers them to confidently share their progress and pinpoint opportunities for future growth. By maintaining professional standards around how and with whom private information get shared, we are able to guarantee that confidentiality is preserved.

Project FOCUS Value - Commitment
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Commitment is a core value that permeates every aspect of Project FOCUS. The students in the program demonstrate an unwavering dedication to putting in the hard work needed to succeed.
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Day in and day out, our students show up to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. Attending classes, going to work, and sticking to a structured daily schedule-these are all par for the course for the committed Project Focus student.
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But they don’t go at it alone. The students meet regularly with peer mentors who provide guidance, support and accountability along the way.
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These mentors walk the walk when it comes to commitment, too. They reliably attend all their scheduled shifts, put in the required hours, and are always there for their mentees as they navigate life on the UA campus.
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In Project FOCUS, commitment is a team effort and a way of life. Students and mentors alike consistently bring their A-game, holding themselves and each other to a high standard. That shared commitment is the special sauce that enables transformative growth and achievement.

Project FOCUS Value - Dignity
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At Project FOCUS, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the full college experience while building the skills they need to thrive.
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It’s not just about taking classes (although that’s definitely part of it). Our students are truly integrated into campus life. Project FOCUS students map out their weekly schedules and figure out how to balance academics with extracurriculars and social activities.
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In their classes, Project Focus students work hard to keep up with the material and complete assignments. But they’ve got a secret weapon - Peer Mentors who are there to help them study and provide support.
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Outside of class, navigating the bustling university environment is the perfect opportunity to put social skills into practice, like striking up conversations with fellow students in the student union or on the mall.
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Through it all , Project FOCUS participants are gaining independence and learning to advocate for themselves, whether that means requesting accommodations from professors or expressing their needs to friends and mentors.
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These self advocacy skills, along with the confidence and sense of the empowerment that comes from the college experience, will serve Project FOCUS students no matter what path they take after graduation.
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It’s so much more than just earning credits-it’s about developing dignity, capability, and agency that will last a lifetime.
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If you would like to support our mission of inclusion on the UA campus, please consider donating today!

Students in Project FOCUS take college classes at the University of Arizona that connect to their interests and future goals.
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Peer Mentors attend trainings, and weekly check ins with staff as well as completing D2L modules throughout the semester.
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Students in Project FOCUS work on their individualized education plan goals throughout the year.

As our Crowdfunding campaign continues we will be highlighting core values within our program.

**Project FOCUS core value highlight this week is RESPECT. Within the Project FOCUS program we focus on respecting others through kindness.

Project FOCUS has kicked off our annual Crowdfunding Campaign for 2024, and we are calling on the community to rally behind our important mission.
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This crowdfunding initiative is a critical component of Project FOCUS’s fundraising efforts, as the donations collected through the campaign directly fund the organization’s efforts to support inclusion on the UA Campus.
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By sharing the crowdfunding website link with friends, family, and on social media, community members can help raise awareness and drive contributions to meet Project FOCUS’ fundraising goal.
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Even a small donation can make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for any level of financial support the public is able to provide.
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Our work is made possible by the generosity and compassion of the surrounding community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported our Crowdfunding efforts in the past.
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This year’s crowdfunding push is crucial to ensuring FOCUS can continue delivering transition services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access the university of Arizona campus, and with the community’s continued engagement and backing, we are confident we will achieve our fundraising objectives and maintain a positive momentum in the year ahead.
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BEAR DOWN for Project FOCUS