CityServe Points of Distribution

Phoenix, AZ – December 6, 2023

The GCU CityServe Points of Distribution (PODs) are providing this statement in support of Grand Canyon University in its ongoing dispute with the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies. The nature of the investigations and record fine the DOE has imposed are deeply troubling given that GCU is making invaluable contributions to the State of Arizona and is highly regarded in the community.

GCU CityServe was formed in 2021 after the university partnered with CityServe to create a major distribution hub on the GCU campus, the first university to do so. In just two years, GCU CityServe has distributed over $10.6 million worth of household goods to needy families in Arizona. The PODs are local organizations such as churches, schools and social service organizations that help GCU CityServe identify the families in need. So far, 30,124 families, including 31,911 children, have been helped through the initiative.

GCU CityServe is just one of many initiatives GCU has developed through its five-point plan to lift up the underserved inner-city community it resides in. The university is in the midst of an 11-year, $2.2 million partnership with the City of Phoenix to increase safety and eliminate crime in the neighborhood, they have one of the largest partnerships with Habitat for Humanity that has renovated 506 homes and home values have increased 761% since 2011, they provide free tutoring to K-12 students through the Learning Lounge as well as awarded 710 full-tuition scholarships to students from inner-city high schools in its community since 2015.

The importance of GCU to the State of Arizona cannot be overstated. In addition to all their community work, GCU contributes significantly to our economy, injecting $2.1 billion annually, and plays a vital role in addressing our state’s workforce needs. GCU stands as the largest Christian university in the country, educating over 100,000 students annually in critical fields essential to our residents, businesses, hospitals and school districts, and produces 30,000 graduates on an annual basis.

GCU is known for putting students’ interests first and has frozen tuition on its campus for 15 straight years, which is unheard of in higher education and has resulted in a very diverse student body since it is affordable to all socioeconomic classes.

GCU has broad support in Arizona and is in very good standing with all of its accrediting bodies, making the Department of Education’s fines or penalties seem overly punitive amid all of the broader challenges facing higher education. We urge the Department of Education to work cooperatively with GCU to resolve these disputes and recognize its lawful status as a nonprofit entity, aligning with the decisions made by other regulatory bodies.

Sincerely,

The GCU CityServe PODs

Denise Viner, Padres Unidos Phx

Jay Cory, Along Side Ministries

Mike Juve, City Hope Arizona

Rick McClellan, La Mesa Ministries

Carrie Bradley, IdentiFreed

Allen Mann, Grace Works Global

Chuck Foreman, First Christian Church

Gabriel Manjarrez, Reborn Church of Phoenix

Robyn Bezanson, House of Grace

Robert Lorenzano, Amazing Grace Church

David Carr, Resurrected Home Ministries

Roy Lainez, Ministerios Unidos en Una Visión

Jeffery Schrank, Christ Church Lutheran

Jennifer James, House of Jubilee