FAQ

How can you guarantee that UHS will eventually become a stand-alone school with its own campus? Isn’t the situation with the District and the State Legislature changing all the time?

Yes, the politics in the Arizona Legislature and the Tucson Unified School District are changing all the time, and there are no certainties. UHS students and their families also have an evolving list of wants and needs. However, we know that UHS continues to make strides as a premier model of success in the public school system. Additionally and perhaps most importantly, we know that UHS needs a powerful community voice within the public education structure to ensure that its future is strong. Without political capital provided through the Foundation, University High will have an uphill battle to gain its own campus and control its future.

Isn’t UHS a public school? Why do they need additional resources?

Public schools across the country are trying to do more with less. Some are shining examples, like UHS, but every year it gets harder and harder. UHS needs resources above and beyond what is provided by the state. UHS is competing with a proliferation of private schools and public charter schools. The Foundation ensures a viable future for this very successful public school (by acting as a representative voice for UHS in the ever-changing landscape of education and public policy making) and to provide capital for projects that directly support UHS students and teachers or elevate the reputation of the school to prospective students.

If I give money to the UHS Foundation, how do I know the school district won’t re-allocate that amount of money to another school?

UHSFAA supports the school in two ways: through technology gifts and through awards made direct to students through the Counseling office.  In this way we can control our giving and make sure it directly impacts UHS and the paths of UHS students in an immediate way.

My child went to UHS but that was years ago; why are you contacting me now?

Your child may have graduated from UHS and moved out of your home long ago but you probably still appreciate what a UHS education did for him/her and for your pocket book! Did your child get a top notch education tuition-free? Did your child get a scholarship to college? Did he/she go on to graduate school and pay for it? Does he/she have a successful career today? If so, then UHS helped to improve your financial situation as well as that of your kids! We hope you will consider giving back now.

Facts about UHS you may not know

  • UHS is the most economically and racially diverse college exam school IN THE COUNTRY!
  • The student population of UHS is 51% African-American, Latino or mixed race20% of UHS students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
  • The student body is 1170
  • UHS continues to be a free pathway for first generation college bound students at an increasing number every year.
  • In the College and Career Center students have access to computer resources, college application support AND free peanut butter sandwiches! For some kids, this center is truly a lifeline to their future success! The majority of these resources (including counselor salary) are provided by support of the UHS Parent’s Association, the UHSFAA donors and the community.

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