Tucson Thrives (previously Community Extension Programs) has enjoyed a 50-year tradition of serving the needs of Tucson’s youth and their families. Our community-wide programs as CEP included a well-established before and after-school childcare program called Purposeful After school Learning (P.A.L), High School Summer and Distance Learning Programs, Summers Are Fun and Educational (S.A.F.E.) Summer Program, Middle School Remediation Classes, Behind the Wheel Drivers Education Courses, Adult Community Education Classes, and Grades 1-6 STEM Program. These essential programs sustained and enriched the lives of over 35,000 local families.

In early 2023, CEP shifted our focus to a fully philanthropic organization rebranded as Tucson Thrives. Our dynamic Board of Directors and staff have identified Tucson’s middle school teens as one of the most vulnerable yet reachable members of our community. With this data-driven shift in focus, we have dedicated our work and resources to employing our mission to help Tucson’s middle school teens overcome barriers and for bright futures where they can truly thrive in our community.