AWC to University: Associate degree provides employee motivation, pursues baccalaureate
August 30, 2018Parker, AZ (August 30, 2018) – If it weren’t for the transfer opportunities offered through Arizona Western College and its partner universities, Berenice Heras wouldn’t be working toward earning a bachelor’s degree right now.
While working as a clerk at the Quartzsite Learning Center, Heras also began taking college classes and earned an associate degree from AWC in 2016. That accomplishment gave her the push she needed to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Northern Arizona University - Yuma.
“These are goals that I would have never been able to meet it weren’t for the options available to me at AWC,” she said.
Heras encourages others considering college and university programs to ask questions and figure out if higher education is the right fit for them.
“While starting college can be scary, it is also the start to a better future. AWC is willing to answer any questions you might have,” said Heras.
As part of AWC’s Strategic Plan, President Dr. Daniel Corr has set the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of doubling the rate of earned baccalaureate degrees in La Paz County and Yuma County by 2035.
Students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree have the opportunity to do so at a reduced costs by first earning an associate degree at AWC and transferring to one of the college’s partner institutions, which includes Arizona’s three state universities: Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. Eligible transfer programs and articulated pathways are designated here www.azwestern.edu/academics/course-catalog in AWC’s 2018-2019 Course Catalog.
Some pathways can be achieved even faster by taking advantage of AWC’s Early College Experience, offering students 17 and under the college tuition rate of $25 per credit. Students can also take standardized examinations like the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to earn college credit for introductory-level courses.
Visit www.azwestern.edu/student-support/transfer-services/transfer-from-awc for more information about transfer opportunities and AWC’s university partnerships.
Contact:
Robin Cooper
Center Assistant, La Paz County
Arizona Western College
robin.cooper@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-7503