AWC referenced in national report on transfer student success
April 19, 2025Washington, D.C. (April 18, 2025) – Arizona Western College was recently featured in the Transfer Playbook 2.0, a national report published by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Columbia University. The report outlines recommendations for improving the bachelor’s attainment rate for students that begin their higher education with a community college.
AWC was one of eight 2-year institutions to be studied for the report, undergoing a rigorous selection process including screening calls and site visits from researchers, who spent two days interviewing students and staff on the AWC campus. Ultimately, the Transfer Playbook cited AWC’s success in expanding the dual enrollment program in addition to the institution’s collaborative partnership with Northern Arizona University-Yuma.
“Being featured in the Aspen Transfer Playbook 2.0 is a proud moment for our entire Arizona Western College community,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “It highlights the incredible work our faculty, staff, and partners have done to build seamless transfer pathways that truly put students first. This recognition affirms that when we focus on equity, collaboration, and innovation, we open doors to bachelor’s degrees—and brighter futures—for every student who walks through our doors.”
In its analysis of the AWC/NAU-Yuma partnership, the report highlighted the institutions’ joint efforts to double the bachelor’s attainment rate in Yuma and La Paz counties by 2035, along with the workforce opportunities that the partnership has created for students and the broader community.
Additionally, the report referenced the Yuma Educational Success (YES) Program as a case study, illustrating how transfer student success often begins with strong advising initiated at the high school level. The YES Program connects AWC as a link between the Yuma Union High School District and NAU-Yuma, ensuring financial assistance and academic support before students have even enrolled at AWC.
“We are honored that the partnership between Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University is featured in the Aspen Transfer Playbook 2.0,” said Cristina Gonzales, Dean of Advisement and Student Success. “This recognition underscores the dedication of our teams to creating clear, supportive transfer pathways that empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. It is a result of what can be accomplished when institutions collaborate with a shared commitment to student success. Together, we are not just improving transfer outcomes, we are transforming lives and strengthening our community’s future.”
Read the full press release from the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program here.
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Contact:
Cristina Gonzales
Dean of Advisement and Student Success
Arizona Western College
cristina.gonzales@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7628