Our Mission
Equality Maricopa is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and success for LGBTQIA+ students and allies in higher education across Arizona.
We support college students by promoting a culture of dignity and respect within institutions of higher learning. Through educational resources, advocacy, scholarships, and community partnerships, we work to remove barriers that disproportionately impact LGBTQIA+ students.
Our mission is to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ student in Arizona’s colleges and universities has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and supportive academic environment.
Why It Matters
The Need is Real. The Time is Now.
One in five
incoming college freshmen identify as LGBTQIA+ (Gallup, 2022)
one in three
LGBTQIA+ students experience discrimination in higher education (NORC, 2022)
30%
Students consider dropping out due to financial or social barriers (Best Colleges, 2022)
$146,000
Each additional community college graduate contributes approximately $146,000 in net societal benefits (Lumina Foundation, 2015)
33%
The percentage of LGBTQIA+ youth that experiences parental rejection
(The Trevor Project, 2022)
4x
LGBTQIA+ students are four times more likely to choose a college away from home to find acceptance (Williams Institute, 2022)