Local nonprofit LISA showcases assistance programs for low‑income students to Yavapai supervisors

Representatives from Low Income Student Aid (LISA) described the nonprofit’s work supporting Arizona public school students from low‑income households during the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 21.

Eric Wiles, LISA founder and executive director, said the organization works directly with school administrators, teachers and parents to identify needs and fund expenses such as athletic fees, musical instrument rentals, books, school supplies, cafeteria fees, vision and hearing care, school clothing and tuition at Yavapai College. A short video presented to the board stated that two‑thirds of Yavapai County public‑school students qualify for free or reduced meals.

Wiles and operations staff shared individual stories — paying for eyeglasses for a student who had never had an eye exam, funding a summer program scholarship, and providing small amounts for field trips — to illustrate the organization’s approach of one request at a time. LISA staff said funding is provided by individuals, community foundations, municipalities, businesses and churches and that the group partners with ten county schools with plans to expand to additional schools.

Supervisors thanked LISA for the presentation and expressed support; the board requested contact information to link LISA with district offices. There was no formal board action tied to the presentation.