Jaron Neal

Jaron Neal is an educational leader and youth development professional with over 20 years of experience guiding and assisting disadvantaged youth.  Jaron is currently a Senior Program Manager with Principled Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU).  In his current role he helps in guiding the incorporation and implementation of a character-based framework within Educational Outreach and Student Services.  Prior to his current role, Jaron served as the Assistant Director of AZR3 (Ready, Resilient, Results) an ASU program that assists homeless, low-income, and foster youth who had their education suffer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before arriving at ASU, Jaron was the Foster Youth Services Coordinator for the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT).  He was the creator and architect of the Foster Youth Career Program (FYCP), a program designed to assist youth in Foster Care with obtaining their GED and certification in a career field of their choice. Jaron was instrumental in the development of the Paul Revere Academy, a school that provides opportunities for youth in foster care to obtain their HS diploma and a CTE certification. Jaron also was vital in EVIT’s proposal, and receipt of a 10-million-dollar award from the State of Arizona to build a transitional living facility for youth in foster care ages 14-18.

Jaron has served as the Director of several agencies, including Youth Development Director (YDD) for Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley-Ladmo Branch. As the YDD, Jaron was responsible for leading a BGC branch that received daily attendance between 200-250 youth.  Also, he was the Education Director for Tumbleweed Youth Services, and guided the educational programming and planning for at-risk youth recently released from juvenile detention.  Jaron also guided the athletic department for Bacone College. He was the Athletic Director of an athletic department consisting of 8 varsity sports competing at the NAIA level.

Jaron has served as a Residential Counselor for HomeBase Youth Services, Teen Coordinator for Aid to the Adoption of Special Kids, Independent Living Specialist for Arizona’s Children’s Association, and Education Liaison for Foster Ed Arizona.  He is an established basketball coach previously coaching at Chandler Prep High School, Westwind Prep School, Tohono O’Odham Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Bacone College, and his current position as Associate Head Coach for Park University-Gilbert.

Jaron has been interviewed and featured in several news and media outlets for his work in youth development.  He has dedicated most of his professional life to supporting, defending, and assisting at-risk youth on their journey to adulthood. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree, Bachelors of Arts in English, and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.  Jaron is an effective leader who creates opportunities and opens doors for the next generation of young leaders.