Think Different

New Way Academy
1300 North 77th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona  85257

phone: 480-946-9112

website

Since 1968, New Way Academy has served students with dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, Asperger’s Syndrome and motor skills challenges using multi-sensory teaching techniques, remedial programs and learning aids specifically tailored to each student’s needs.

What is your nonprofit’s mission?
The mission of New Way Academy is to educate students with learning differences to achieve their potential.  A learning difference is a neuro-biological disorder which affects a person’s ability to speak, listen, read, write, spell, reason, recall, organize information or do mathematics.
 
Whom does your nonprofit serve?
We have served thousands of children and their families since our inception.  Currently, 123 students are enrolled for the 2011-12 school year across all grades.

What are your nonprofits biggest obstacles?
New Way Academy has been dedicated to the mission of helping students with often invisible differences get the help they need.  These are not children who are typically physically disabled or mentally impaired.  They simply process differently; and they are often mislabeled as lazy, stupid and unengaged.  The biggest obstacle is having the community-at-large understand the challenges and frustrations of a child with learning differences and how they can help.  Additionally, the community-at-large needs to understand that one in 17 children have a learning disability.  The need to help these children is profound.

What is your main fundraising event?
The Spring Gala/Silent Auction held in the spring, this year at the Bentley Projects in downtown Phoenix on April 21, 2011.  Guests enjoy delicious cuisine plus a silent and live auction featuring international travel, special gift baskets and luxury items.

What can people do to assist your nonprofit?
First, they can support our work through the State of Arizona Tax Credit Program.  Every dollar contributed is a dollar less one pays in Arizona taxes, and all the money goes into a special scholarship fund for children with learning disabilities.  All Arizona taxpayers can participate.

In 2009, the State of Arizona created the Corporate Tax Credit Program which allows corporations and insurance companies to  donate to student scholarships for learning-disabled students with no impact to their bottom line.  This innovative program has helped so many students at New Way Academy.  Forty-percent of the students have financial aid, and there are many more children who need help.  This Corporate Tax Credit Program, plus any other donations, will always be welcomed.

What can we do to improve the future of our community?
The more students we can reach, the more certain we can help turn a child’s life around.  Many students are graduating from high schools not getting the remedial services they need.  At New Way Academy, we know that by improving the lives of the children we serve, we will improve the future of our community by sending confident, productive and happy young adults into the world.