State Farm invests in parent education program at ASU

State Farm will present Arizona State University’s American Dream Academy with a grant of $20,000 to provide parent-empowerment curriculum for hundreds of elementary and high schools across Arizona.

The State Farm check presentation is set to take place at 6 p.m., Dec. 18, at South Mountain High School Auditorium, Phoenix Union High School District, 5401 S. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040.

The American Dream Academy helps families take charge of their children’s education and build stronger families and communities. The academy offers a variety of programs to students, teachers and families, including "Realizing the American Dream," "Financial Literacy" and others.

The Realizing the American Dream program is a 10-week, parent-empowerment program that teaches families how to navigate the educational process and take an active role in their children’s educational success. Through the academy's Financial Literacy Program, parent participants graduate with a written financial plan that includes a savings goal, establishment of an emergency fund and a manageable payment plan to reduce debt.

“Our commitment to education excellence for all students is a top priority,” said State Farm agent Derrick Spencer. “Students are more than our future workforce or tomorrow's leaders, they are the daughters and sons, nieces and nephews of State Farm agents and employees, and they are children of our friends and neighbors.”

Since 2006, the American Dream Academy has implemented 500 programs, served more than 27,000 parents and has impacted more than 65,000 students in Arizona schools.

“The funding provided by State Farm allows the American Dream Academy to empower more students to realize their educational goals by educating and empowering their parents to navigate our education system and effectively communicate with teachers and administrators to support their child’s development,” said Alex Perilla, director of the American Dream Academy.

State Farm has donated more than $180,000 to the American Dream Academy since 2008. The partnership between State Farm and ASU’s American Dream Academy is part of an ongoing commitment.

The American Dream Academy is a core program of Arizona State University’s Office of Educational Outreach and Student Services. The academy connects the university with parents of elementary, middle and high school students in the community. Its mission is to provide parents with tools they need to help their children achieve academic success.