operation 13:2 and the AZ PreP Academy
Who They Are
Operation 13:2 is a nonprofit organization based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, dedicated to transforming lives through education, mentorship, athletics, arts, leadership development, and community service. Through the Arizona Preparatory Academy (AZ Prep Academy), Vista Skate Crew, youth programs, and community partnerships, the organization provides opportunities that empower young people to discover their potential, develop strong character, and become productive members of their communities.
Founded on the belief that every young person deserves access to positive role models, meaningful opportunities, and a supportive environment, Operation 13:2 works to strengthen youth, families, and the community by creating programs that foster personal growth, educational success, leadership, and service.
What They Do
Operation 13:2 provides a wide range of programs and activities designed to support youth development and community engagement. Through AZ Prep Academy, students participate in academic enrichment, athletic training, leadership development, mentoring, life-skills education, and character-building activities that help them succeed both on and off the court.
The organization also offers practical workshops that teach financial literacy, food preparation, independent living skills, and personal responsibility. Free community art workshops encourage creativity and self-expression through activities such as painting, vision board creation, and seasonal art projects. Youth conferences, mentoring opportunities, athletic competitions, and recreational programs further support the growth and development of participants.
Operation 13:2 is also known for its annual Back-to-School Festival, a major community event that provides backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, food, music, games, and community resources to local families. In 2025, the organization distributed approximately 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to students preparing for the new school year.
In addition, the organization hosts community skate nights through the Vista Skate Crew, providing safe recreational opportunities while raising funds to support future youth programming and facility improvements.
Who They Serve
Operation 13:2 serves youth and families throughout Cochise County and the surrounding region. While all young people are welcome to participate, the organization places special emphasis on supporting foster youth, at-risk youth, underserved families, and students who may lack access to positive developmental opportunities.
The organization works with youth facing a variety of challenges, including economic hardship, unstable home environments, educational barriers, and limited access to extracurricular programs. Through mentorship, education, athletics, and life-skills training, Operation 13:2 helps participants build confidence, develop resilience, and prepare for successful futures.
Beyond youth services, the organization extends its reach into the broader community through outreach efforts that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
How Do They Serve Them
Operation 13:2 serves youth and families through the combined efforts of dedicated staff, volunteers, mentors, coaches, educators, artists, donors, sponsors, and community partners who share a common vision of creating opportunities for the next generation.
By leveraging community support, charitable donations, grants, fundraising events, and volunteer involvement, the organization is able to provide programs and services that might otherwise be unavailable to many local youth and families. These partnerships allow Operation 13:2 to offer educational programs, athletic opportunities, mentoring, life-skills training, arts education, community outreach, and family support services throughout the year.
Community engagement is at the heart of everything they do. Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers contribute time, resources, expertise, and financial support to help sustain programs such as the annual Back-to-School Festival, youth conferences, art workshops, homeless outreach initiatives, and athletic development programs. Events such as Vista Skate Crew skate nights not only provide safe recreational opportunities for youth and families, but also serve as fundraisers that help support future projects, including the development of a new gymnasium floor that will benefit both the AZ Prep Academy athletic program and the greater Sierra Vista community.
Through collaboration, community investment, and a commitment to service, Operation 13:2 is able to continually expand its impact and provide meaningful opportunities that empower youth, strengthen families, and improve the quality of life throughout Cochise County.