Staff Reports | Community Updates
Chronic absenteeism continues to be a significant challenge for students across Arizona, with attendance rates remaining well above pre‑pandemic levels.
To address the issue, Valley of the Sun United Way has launched a public awareness billboard campaign featuring former Arizona Cardinals player Calais Campbell as part of its Supporting Attendance Across Maricopa County initiative, known as Project SAAM, according to a press release.
In Arizona, chronic absenteeism stood at 13% in 2019. By 2024, it had increased to 24%, and in 2025 it remained at 23%, nearly double pre‑pandemic levels.
Community leaders say the COVID‑19 pandemic altered attendance patterns statewide, while ongoing economic and federal uncertainty continues to create barriers for families, making consistent school attendance more difficult for some students.
Project SAAM was developed by Valley of the Sun United Way and funded by the Helios Education Foundation to address underlying causes of chronic absenteeism. The initiative brings together school and district leaders, community organizations, Read On Arizona and local partners to identify why students miss school and develop strategies to reduce barriers.
The billboard campaign is intended to elevate school attendance as a community priority and highlight the importance of consistent attendance for long‑term student success. Organizers say the campaign also acknowledges that families often face challenges beyond their control.
Project SAAM currently works with nine Maricopa County school districts with high rates of chronic absenteeism. Through research, mentoring and coaching, the initiative collaborates with students and families to address challenges such as health issues, housing instability, transportation barriers and caregiving responsibilities.
“Attendance is a community issue, not just a school issue,” said Dawn Gerundo, community development and engagement manager for Valley of the Sun United Way. “Project SAAM is about listening to families, using data to guide action, and working together to create solutions that help students show up and succeed.”
Data collected through Project SAAM is used to inform school strategies, strengthen family engagement and guide investments in interventions shown to improve attendance.
The initiative builds on Valley of the Sun United Way’s long‑standing work addressing community challenges across Maricopa County, including efforts related to education, economic stability and family support.
Valley of the Sun United Way is marking its centennial with a multi‑year celebration that includes events, volunteer initiatives and storytelling campaigns highlighting its history in the region. The organization has also announced plans to introduce new strategies aimed at strengthening community resilience and advancing its key focus areas.
