Our Crowdfunding Groups
Northern Arizona University’s Cultural and Academic Research Experience (CARE) program is creating life-changing opportunities for Arizona’s students. By engaging high school students at a pivotal stage, this program equips them with hands-on research experience and invaluable training in chemistry, biology, and healthcare fields.
Why It Matters
Arizona’s future relies on cultivating STEM leaders to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. Programs like CARE are vital for building pathways to higher education, career readiness, and economic mobility. CARE supports talented high school students from northern Arizona, helping them explore STEM fields and create a foundation for success in college and beyond.
Students in the program develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork—abilities that prepare them to thrive in today’s workforce and make a lasting difference in their communities.
Your Impact
This program urgently needs your support! Every contribution helps NAU empower the next generation of STEM professionals and deliver on its mission of academic excellence and social impact.
With your Axe of Kindness, you can help students access the resources they need to succeed—housing, meals, research materials, faculty mentorship, and more—and ensure this high-impact program can thrive and continue to transform students’ lives
The CARE Student Experience
CARE offers high school students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live on campus, immerse themselves in hands-on research with leading faculty, and gain early exposure to the college environment. A unique feature of this program is automatic admission to NAU’s Honors College, giving students access to a dynamic academic community that fosters excellence and opens doors to specialized mentorship and life-changing opportunities.
Many alumni of the CARE program go on to pursue meaningful careers in STEM and healthcare, driving innovation and serving their communities. This program doesn’t just prepare students for college—it equips them to tackle real-world challenges and become leaders in their fields.
Elevate Northern Arizona University
CARE embodies NAU’s mission to expand access to education and increase economic mobility while addressing the region's unique needs. Through innovative partnerships led by Dr. Naomi Lee and Tina Zecher, CARE is creating opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our communities.
Don’t wait—your gift today helps keep this essential program alive and thriving for future generations.
If you’re inspired to make a profound and lasting impact by supporting this program beyond the listed giving levels, we invite you to explore transformative gift opportunities. To learn how your generosity can sustain and expand this initiative for years to come, please contact Jen Grande at jen.grande@nau.edu.
A gift of $50 provides a student with essential lab supplies—like a notebook, lab coat, and goggles—ensuring they are fully prepared to step into the lab and engage in meaningful research.
With $100, you provide a student with a week of meals and support cohort-building activities that foster collaboration, mentorship, and a strong sense of community among emerging scholars.
A $250 contribution secures two weeks of summer housing in NAU’s residence halls, offering students a stable foundation to focus entirely on their research and academic growth.
A $1,000 gift ensures summer housing or meals for one student while also providing research supplies for two students—doubling the reach of your generosity and advancing multiple student projects.
A gift of $2,000 will match a summer salary for one student, provide meals for two students, and supply research materials for four students, enabling significant academic progress.
A gift of $5,000 fully supports one student’s summer experience, covering salary, housing, and meals, allowing them to dedicate their time entirely to research and learning.
