ArrowHeart expands teen volunteer summer program to Arizona

ArrowHeart Foundation’s Summer Volunteer Program has enrolled 16 teens this summer and expanded to Arrowhead’s Arizona operations center, giving family members of credit union team members hands-on community service experience. The program supports back-to-school aid, local service projects and a broader pipeline of young volunteers learning philanthropy and workplace skills. Why it matters: - The program gives teens direct exposure to community service while helping ArrowHeart meet local needs. - Participants support back-to-school efforts, which can affect how local students and families start the school year. - The expansion to Arizona broadens access for Arrowhead team members’ families outside California. What happened: - ArrowHeart Foundation enrolled 16 teens in its Summer Volunteer Program this year, with more participants expected as the season continues. - The program began in 2024 after Arrowhead team members showed interest in having their teens join ArrowHeart volunteer activities. - ArrowHeart expanded the program this summer to Arrowhead’s Arizona operations center. - The program is open to immediate family members of Arrowhead Credit Union team members who are at least 16 years old. - Students who participate can earn extracurricular community service hours. The details: - The summer program gives teens structured volunteer opportunities and introduces them to community needs and philanthropy. - Since launch, nearly 40 students have participated. - Teen volunteers help with ArrowHeart’s back-to-school initiative, including distribution of 800 brand-new JanSport backpacks filled with school supplies for local students. - Participants also sort items for donation events, help with event preparation, organize the food pantry and assemble member support requests. - The program includes select outside events, including Brunch Buddies at the Ronald McDonald House Central and Northern Arizona in Phoenix in June and Meals of Love at the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda, California in July. - Longtime volunteer Madyson Miller, a two-time ArrowHeart Scholarship recipient and nursing student at Northern Arizona University, has volunteered in Rancho Cucamonga and Arizona. - Incoming high school senior Max Herrera is volunteering for a second year. - Incoming high school senior Jacob Dubon volunteered for the first time this year. Between the lines: - ArrowHeart is using the summer program to build early loyalty to the foundation’s mission among employees’ families. - The program also functions as workplace exposure, giving teens a real-world look at team culture, service and responsibility. - Student testimonials suggest the experience is being framed as both community service and personal development. What’s next: - ArrowHeart expects additional teens to join later in the summer. - The foundation is likely to continue using the program as a recurring volunteer pipeline for both California and Arizona. - More information is available on ArrowHeart’s website .