Last fall, thanks to the support of donors Jan and Jim Springer, YOTO launched the Youth On Their Own (YOTO) Student Portal! The timing of the portal launch came exactly when YOTO needed it most - during the COVID-19 pandemic when our students were attending school remotely. The portal significantly improved the way YOTO’s Program [...]

This summer, Sky Ranch Foundation, a charitable organization that strives to give underserved youth a second chance, joined the YOTO Family with a generous $12,500 grant supporting local youth experiencing homelessness! This grant has already provided much-needed support to 27 students enrolled in YOTO’s program, including a monthly academic stipend and COVID-19 supplement, bill assistance, [...]

It takes enormous resolve for a young person experiencing homelessness to successfully pursue their education. Becoming a parent - during a pandemic - obviously adds another dimension of difficulty to an already precarious situation! Yet, this was the very situation faced by the 94 pregnant and parenting youth in the YOTO program last year. The [...]

Each of these outstanding leaders will serve for a minimum of three years to provide governance, financial oversight, and strategic vision for YOTO. Please help us welcome the newest members of YOTO’s governing body: Tom Hoyt is a retired TEP executive who has served previous terms on YOTO's board and as two-time interim CEO of [...]

Youth On Their Own students really showed us what it meant to persevere this year! Class of 2021 seniors faced additional challenges because of the pandemic, but thanks to their persistence, many were able to achieve their graduation dreams and take that special walk across the stage. Kris from Walden Grove High School is among [...]

Youth On Their Own’s dedicated school liaisons are truly the backbone of our organization! During the school year, these committed volunteers work hard to identify and advocate on behalf of YOTO students while also building trusting, supportive relationships. Liaisons stay in touch with YOTO’s Program Coordinators to keep students updated on any changes to our [...]

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) CEO Elizabeth Slater recently chatted with Great.com host Emil Ekvardt about YOTO as part of their 'Great.com Talks With...' podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world. Click here [...]

Youth On Their Own is delighted to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors. Each of these outstanding leaders will serve for a minimum of three years to help YOTO chart its path through the pandemic and beyond. Please help us welcome the newest members of YOTO’s governing body: Enrique Aldana was born [...]

In partnership with the City of Tucson’s Mayor and Council, YOTO is thrilled to share that we have provided hundreds of direct financial payments to YOTO students and alumni who are survivors of domestic violence and are experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19. In November and December of 2020, YOTO distributed $238,000 in direct cash [...]

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is both humbled and proud to be named as the 2020 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion for Tucson! We couldn’t be happier to receive this extraordinary honor! The Neighborhood Champion award comes with a $50,000 grant that will be used to support our YOTO Student Portal, as well as virtual [...]