WHAT WE DO
The Lapan Sunshine Foundation follows the belief of its founder, Patricia “Nana Pat” Lapan, that education is a crucial pathway to overcoming challenging life circumstances. Yet, a student’s journey to success in education requires more than just money to pay for school. Students need a more well-rounded approach that considers their families, their environment, systemic issues and their unique circumstances.
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The Lapan Sunshine Foundation provides students from underserved communities with scholarship, mentorship, access to opportunities and support for their often-overlooked additional needs. Our aim is to level the playing field, and empower our students to confidently pursue their dreams.
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Additionally, we invest in services, programs and organizations that serve our students and create opportunities for their potential.
THE LAPAN COLLEGE & CAREER CLUB
Through the Lapan College & Career Club, students in the underserved Wakefield community of South Tucson earn scholarships for college through academic achievements starting in 6th grade. The program provides 10 after-school programs that support the students' academic journeys and offers mentorship through college and beyond.
THE LAPAN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Lapan Leadership Summit is a 3-day workshop designed to prepare our rising freshman for college. Culminating with a showcase & mixer with the local business community, students emerge with essential knowledge, business connections and a wealth of resourcing to help navigate unique challenges first-generation, low-income students encounter in college.
SUNSHINE THERAPY ANIMALS
Sunshine Therapy Animals recruits and places therapy teams, consisting of an owner and their pet, in the Tucson community to visit underserved or disenfranchised youth, offering unconditional love while teaching confidence, respect, empathy and general life skills they may have yet to learn through traditional channels.
SUNSHINE CASITAS
The Sunshine Casitas are furnished homes near the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, which we provide to our students as reliable, low-cost housing. Casita students follow a code of conduct, including weekly volunteer hours, a GPA minimum and maintenance of the Casita chicken coop and community garden.
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NANA'S MAVINS
Nana’s Mavins offers scholarships and mentorship to exceptional students, each with a heart-opening story to tell, who aspire to make a positive impact on the world. We provide an array of support, including tuition assistance, immigration aid and mentoring, to help these students achieve their inspiring goals.
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