Arizona Western College: A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Community Engagement
Arizona Western College (AWC) has a rich history of serving the educational needs of Yuma and La Paz counties in Arizona. Since its establishment, AWC has been committed to providing valuable educational opportunities and training experiences. This article explores the evolution of AWC, highlighting its key programs, campus developments, and community partnerships.
Academic Programs and Initiatives
AWC offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to prepare students for transfer to universities and successful careers. The History Program at AWC is designed to prepare students to transfer to a university. Students will complete a variety of courses that provide a foundation in global, national, and local histories, including world history, and the histories of Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Arizona. History majors study the human experience and develop an understanding of the events that have changed society over time. Students not only learn what significant events have happened from ancient times to today, but they learn how and why they occurred. History students participate in the discovery, recording, and preservation of the history of the world. Research and writing are components of this major. * ASU - Taken together, these courses will transfer to ASU Tempe as HST102 & HST103 & HST104 [SB, G, H] for six (6) credits only.
TRIO Programs
AWC has a long-standing commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds through its TRIO programs. The TRIO KEYS Program was first implemented at Arizona Western College. AWC began its TRIO Talent Search Program. Talent Search identifies and assists middle and high school students who have the potential to succeed in higher education. At least two-thirds of the students in each local Talent Search program are from low-income economic backgrounds and families in which neither parent has a bachelor's degree.
South Yuma County Math and English Project
The Gadsden Math Project was started to provide the opportunity for highly-prepared middle school students to take college-level math (College Algebra and Precalculus) courses taught by AWC professors. The initiative was established by Dr. Raymond Aguilera, Everardo Martinez, Homero Chavez, and Professor Jesus Arrizon through a partnership with the Gadsden Elementary School District. Now called the South Yuma County Math and English project, the initiative expanded in 2022 to also include English courses with the support of Professor Daniel Herrera.
Student Showcase
The first Student Showcase event was held at the AWC Yuma Campus to serve as a platform to highlight student projects from a variety of academic backgrounds.
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Early College Explorers
AWC began inviting fifth-grade students to visit the college to inspire them to consider higher education and create a college-going culture in the community. Early College Explorers Campus Tours aim to acquaint young learners with the collegiate setting. “The I’m Going to College day motivates students to look forward to their educational journey with excitement and curiosity about career opportunities and dual enrollment through an exceptional hands-on experience.” Biridiana Martinez, AWC Outreach, Recruitment and Early College Program Director . Each semester, AWC extends an invitation to two elementary schools, aiming to encourage 5th graders to envision a future in higher education. Since the program’s launch in 2010, it has welcomed over 3,032 students.
Career and Technical Education
AWC has expanded its Career and Technical Education offerings to meet the needs of the local workforce. AWC added Geospatial Technology and Unmanned Aerial Systems certificate programs to their list of Career and Technical Education offerings in August.
Nursing Program
In June, a cohort of 30 students from the AWC Nursing program achieved a 100-percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. In August, AWC’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program was ranked as the best in the state by PracticalNursing.org. The organization of nursing experts analyzed 12 LPN programs from community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools across Arizona.
Law Enforcement Training Academy
In April, AWC starts a new full-time Law Enforcement Training Academy at the Ray Croc Sports Complex. In August, AWC graduates 10 students from its first full-time Law Enforcement Training Academy. The program was formed over the course of a four-month period in response to area agencies requesting a local, more affordable training option. On October 5, AWC celebrated the beginning of construction for the new state-of-the-art Law Enforcement Training Academy during a groundbreaking ceremony. Housed on the AWC Yuma Campus next to the Public Safety Institute, the over 20,000-square-foot facility will provide a centralized space for cadets from across the state to receive training to become certified peace officers. The Law Enforcement Training Academy was funded by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors who contributed $7.5 million toward the project from CARES Act funds that Yuma County received from the Office of Gov. Doug Ducey, as well as an additional $2.7 million in AWC funds.
Entrepreneurial College
In May, AWC launched its new Entrepreneurial College to meet a growing demand for an evolving entrepreneurial and workforce-based industry. The “Second Pillar” of the college was developed to align career-connected learning with the region’s rapidly evolving employment needs.
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Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++)
In October, Northern Arizona University announced a new, first-of-its-kind partnership with all ten community college districts across the state and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to launch the Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++). This unique partnership with AWC and other statewide partners aims to harness the collective impact of distinct institutions based on a shared desire to dramatically boost Arizona’s postsecondary attainment rate. AWC was the first partner to commit to this initiative.
Campus Development and Expansion
AWC has continuously invested in its campus facilities to provide students with a modern and supportive learning environment.
Academic Complex Computer Lab (ACCL)
The Academic Complex Computer Lab, or ACCL, first opened.
Dr. Kathryn A. Watson Child Development Learning Lab
The Dr. Kathryn A. Watson Child Development Learning Lab became accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Child Care awarded AWC and the Child Development Learning Lab with grant funding to reimburse students for child care expens…
Public Safety Institute
In March, AWC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Public Safety Institute to house growing Administration of Justice, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic, Fire Science, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement programs all in one facility.
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San Luis Technology Institute
In January, the expansion and renovation of the Informatics building at the AWC San Luis Technology Institute was unveiled to the community during a ribbon cutting ceremony. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Sept. 29, to showcase the new Allied Health Lab at the AWC San Luis Learning Center. The 1,855-square-foot lab provides students with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Computer Informatics. The new lab also allows AWC to offer programs in Allied Health in San Luis. Prior to the construction of the building, students had to travel to the Yuma Campus to fulfill science lab requirements.
AWC/NAU-Yuma Academic Library
In April, AWC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the AWC/NAU-Yuma Academic Library. AWC, in collaboration with the AWC Foundation, was awarded a $400,000 Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Challenge Grant for the project in 2018 from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The funds, as well as a 1-to-1 match requirement from a local donor, were used to enhance student learning experiences by expanding library facilities and services. The funds allowed the college to expand 2,029 square feet and create a large learning space and other spaces on the northwest side of the library.
Matador Activity Center
In August, AWC celebrated the start of construction on its new two-story, 45,000-square-foot Matador Activity Center with a groundbreaking ceremony.
DeAnza Residence Hall
In November, the long-standing DeAnza Residence Hall at AWC was demolished to make way for the construction of a new dorm.
Rosemary’s Kitchen for International Students
International students at AWC began utilizing the culinary kitchen to prepare meals from their home country through a new partnership with the Culinary Arts program. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Rosemary’s Kitchen for International Students was held on Jan. Three departments at AWC cultivated a partnership sure to yield delicious results. The Facilities department prepared an area with basic landscaping located outside of the Culinary Arts classroom and installed an irrigation water supply to turn the space into a fully functioning herb garden.
Andale’s Food Pantry and Apparel
Andale’s Food Pantry was established as part of the AWC Innovation Fund. Students enrolled at AWC can receive non-perishable food items and basic necessities through Andale’s Food Pantry. Andale's Apparel opened in April as AWC's free business clothing resource.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
AWC is deeply committed to serving the needs of its community through various partnerships and initiatives.
IME Becas Program
A strong collaboration between the Arizona Western College Foundation and the Consulate of Mexico in Yuma, Arizona was established during a ceremony when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed through the IME Becas program.
Veterans Art Project
AWC started the Veterans Art Project, which offers free ceramics classes for active-duty military, veterans, and their adult family members. This compelling community service project engages veterans, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic or combat-related stress disorders, and their direct support system in a healing, connective, and hands-on artistic endeavor.
Reskilling and Recovery Network
In August, AWC began representing community colleges across the state as part of the Arizona Delegation to the national Reskilling and Recovery Network.
Arizona Innovation Alliance (AIA)
The Arizona Innovation Alliance (AIA), a tri-university partnership to enhance public higher education in Arizona, launched a new project to support student success and increase educational opportunities in Yuma.
MyPath2ASU Program
AWC announced a new partnership with Arizona State University to provide students a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU program.
Yuma Regional Medical Center Partnership
With a shared vision of transforming healthcare education in Yuma County, AWC and Yuma Regional Medical Center entered into an affiliation agreement in February to create new programs and facilities for a sustainable future of a wide range of healthcare training. The early plans include a new allied health training facility adjacent to YRMC. AWC’s partnership with Yuma Regional Medical Center to create innovative solutions in rural healthcare garnered global recognition. AWC was selected as one of five Triple E Awards finalists in the running for Community Engagement Initiative of the Year.
Heal the Hero Foundation Partnership
The AWC Police Department began working in partnership with the Heal the Hero Foundation to provide a technology-based health and wellness program for local emergency first responders. Housed at the AWC Reskilling and Technology Center, the Command Performance brings cutting-edge, neuroscience-driven brain performance technology to police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies in Yuma.
Local First Arizona Foundation
During the summer, AWC teamed up with the Local First Arizona Foundation to provide aspiring food entrepreneurs with the unique opportunity to grow their food business through a Restaurant Startup Boot Camp.
4FrontED, Elevate Southwest, and Sonora State University
On Oct. 24, a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was held to commemorate the unique partnership between education partners AWC, Sonora State University, and local Arizona Board of Regent University partners from the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona State University, together in a shared gathering with 4FrontED, Elevate Southwest, and community leaders. With the MOU, these institutions are collectively deepening the friendship ties and improving the level of cooperation and comprehension that unite these participants. It collectively recognizes the mutual interests and a multitude of opportunities for education, workforce development, science and technology, agriculture, agricultural technology, and binational business programs.
Innovation and Strategic Planning
AWC is committed to fostering innovation and strategic planning to ensure its continued success and relevance.
Innovation Fund
AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr and the District Governing Board launched the inaugural Innovation Fund to support the development of AWC initiatives aligned with Strategic Planning. This limited-time funding is designed to encourage innovative thinking outside the parameters of the annual fiscal year budget. In the first year, nearly $184,000 was allotted for the Innovation Fund. The screening committee reviewed over 20 proposals submitted by faculty, staff, and students that included a written statement explaining how their idea tied to the strategic plan and how it would serve students along with a short elevator pitch video.
TEDxAWC
In March, the inaugural TEDxAWC event took place at the AWC Theater to inspire creativity and ingenuity, and to honor the voices of AWC students, faculty and staff, and the larger community of Yuma and La Paz Counties. The TEDxAWC project was one of eight proposals approved through the 2022 AWC Innovation Fund.
New Brand Launch
In September, after nine months of listening, surveying, and designing, the AWC Marketing & Communications team officially launched the college’s new brand. The new institutional logo features brand-specific colors of Matador Red and Skystone (Turquoise). As a community college that has strong partnerships with Arizona’s three state universities, the logo is iconic and stands up strongly amongst them.
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