Community Highlights: Meet Chad Bays of Academic Opportunity of Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Bays.

Chad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a native of Phoenix and attended Northern Arizona University (Go Jacks!), where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Public Relations & Advertising). After spending over a decade in the “traditional” corporate worlds of real estate, insurance & finance. Witnessing my mother, a lifelong schoolteacher succumb to cancer at relatively early age (61), I knew there was more to life than the “traditional” and have spent the last 9 years on a mission to increase awareness, education, and opportunities for those students and families who need it most.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Academic Opportunity of Arizona (AOA), I’m committed and determined to level up Arizona’s K-12 education and bring immediate impact to our under-served communities inside and outside the classroom. I’m proud to say that since 2014, we have raised and allocated over $19,000,000 to students throughout Arizona. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. Initially, it was a big risk, walking away from the “traditional” and into uncharted waters. Our first year, we raised $6,250, which caused some serious self-reflection. However, we quickly grew to over $250,000, than over $1,000,000 in annual donations. Our impact continues to grow year over year thanks to our generous community. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Academic Opportunity of Arizona. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Academic Opportunity of Arizona is a School Tuition Organization. As a local 501c3 non-profit, we specialize in providing scholarships and support for K-12th grade children living with disabilities and low-income hardships. Since 2014, we have allocated over $19 Million in scholarships for local students in need through Arizona’s Corporate and Individual Tax Credit programs. 

Currently, we are partnered with over 85 schools and supported by parents, corporations, and individuals throughout Arizona. We offer multi-year and full-tuition scholarships. Our annual scholarships range from $1,700 – $29,000. 

We have built our reputation on educating and consulting corporations in Arizona Corporate Tax Credit Strategies and community engagement initiatives. Donors can receive a 100% tax credit for every dollar donated. We provide corporations the ability to make a heartfelt direct, and immediate impact with their tax dollars. Corporations can increase their charitable footprint, expand community giving initiatives, and most importantly – provide vital life-changing options for children who need it the most. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The food, weather, and people are what makes Phoenix special for me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: aoa360.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academic_opportunity_az/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/academicopportunity/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/58169611/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@academicopportunityofarizo8082/featured