BALF's programs provide a positive learning environment and a college-focused mentality for each participant.

"Be A Leader has given me a better understanding of what the future holds for me educationally. With the help of my mentors I have been able to apply to various universities and scholarships." - Steven Almanza - 12th grader

RCTC History
Sponsors & Donors
Reinvestment Campaign
Future floor plan

Roosevelt Community Technology Center

The Roosevelt Community Technology Center (RCTC), formerly known as the “Neighborhood House” will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2012!! The last major renovation to this facility was conducted in 1995 when the founders of the Be A Leader Foundation along with generous community suport converted it into a technology center. For thirteen years the RCTC has played a significant role in teaching men, women, students and the elderly about the utilization of computers and the Internet. In 1994 it was determined that citizens in South Phoenix did not have access to technology and this lack of access drastically reduced their opportunity to develop critical skills needed to enhance their learning potential and educational development.

The populations targeted by the RCTC are the children, families and educational professionals in the Roosevelt Elementary School District (RESD). These individuals continue to face significant educational and professional challenges as a result of the digital divide, poverty and language.

On average, the facility continues to receive nearly 45,000 patrons a year and is open six days a week all year long. On the 10th Anniversary of the RCTC, the founders of the BALF and the original donors decided to embark on a renovation and expansion project of the RCTC. The expansion will provide more capacity to service the needs of the community and will allow for more formal training sessions and services to be provided on a daily basis. This needed renovation and expansion will allow the Be A Leader Foundation (BALF) to continue its work in the community by securing adequate space and full utilization of the RCTC facility for such programs as the Valedictorian Club, leadership, scholarship and mentoring programs.

We invite you to visit the RCTC located at:

6029 S. 7th Street - Phoenix, AZ 85042

Reinvestment Campaign

In the summer of 2006, BALF as chair brought together Wells Fargo Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and Arizona Public Service as co-chairs to raise approximately $2,500,000 for the expansion, renovation and technological upgrade of the RCTC. This goal was created by BALF, and collectively, this Campaign Leadership Team worked together to secure adequate funding for the project. The goal was to raise and receive funds by the end of Second Quarter of 2008, which would allow for construction to begin in the fall of 2009. All funds, (100%) will be utilized to complete the project. This fundraising effort is being managed and executed fully by volunteers and will not incur any expenses other than printing, mailing of solicitation materials and occasional group meetings to clarify questions and site visitations.

As of this date, $2,000,000 have been raised through several donors including: Wells Fargo Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Arizona Public Service, the Dorrance Family Foundation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Community Foundation. The BALF board has traditionally funded any required technology needs of the RCTC since 2002. The Be A Leader Foundation continues to lead the fundraising effort and will continue to give of their time and resources to manage and execute the BALF programs within the center.