First-Generation Celebration Week to be held at AWC
November 2, 2021Yuma, AZ (November 2, 2021) – Arizona Western College is committed to the success of all its students, and that includes first-generation college students whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
About 66 percent of the AWC student population is made up of first-generation college goers, which is the largest percentage of any other community college in Arizona and one of the highest percentages of community colleges in the U.S. Roughly 40 percent of AWC’s faculty and staff members also identify as first-generation students.
In a continued effort to support first-generation college students in their journey to earning a higher education credential, AWC will be presenting a three-day virtual and in-person First-Generation College Celebration from Nov. 8-10. The event will feature a faculty and student panel, virtual financial literacy sessions, and a resource fair.
“We are excited for the annual acknowledgment and celebration of First-Generation College students at Arizona Western College,” said Michelle Thomas, Director of TRIO Programs. “This celebration encourages our campus communities to better understand the barriers plaguing first-generation college students and the supports needed to help this important and resilient population to thrive and flourish in the pursuit of post-secondary education.”
The term “first-generation” implies the possibility that a student may lack the critical cultural capital necessary for college success because their parents did not attend college. While first-generation students are often quite academically skilled and contribute in many ways to a campus community, navigating the tangled web of college policies, procedures, jargon, and expectations can be a challenge. This pervasive “hidden curriculum” can damage the confidence of first-generation students, lead to struggles in belonging, and result in departure. This opens an opportunity for institutions to provide additional support for these students so they may be as competitive and successful as their peers.
Event Schedule:
Monday, Nov. 8
- 12pm: National First-Generation Celebration Proclamation (3C Breezeway)
Proclamation to be led by AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr
Keynote Speaker will be Susanna Zambrano, Associate Dean for South Yuma County Services
- 3-4:30pm: Faculty and Student Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 9
Virtual Financial Literacy Sessions (Zoom Link: https://azwestern.zoom.us/j/9029149664)
Learn about the importance of financial literacy and the valuable resources available. Presenting organizations will share information regarding financial literacy and scholarship opportunities.
- 12-12:30pm: AWC Foundation/Arizona Community Foundation
The AWC Foundation is a community foundation committed to helping students reach their career goals through collaborative contributions, scholarships, and grants. The Arizona Community Foundation allows high school seniors and current college students throughout Arizona to apply for more than 100 scholarships with one general application.
- 12:30-1pm: Earn to Learn/AZ-Hope
Earn to Learn is a collaborative effort between the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. Eligible students who save $500 and are admitted to one of these schools are eligible for a university match of $4,000. AZ-Hope and its partners have a history of serving students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, recognizing the need for programs that support students’ educational endeavors and help them overcome numerous barriers on the pathway to becoming health professionals.
Wednesday, Nov. 10
- 10am-1pm: First-Gen Resource Fair (3C Breezeway)
AWC departments and programs along with university partners will host resource tables to share information on services offered and how they support students with their goals for higher education.
Contact:
Michelle Thomas
Director of TRIO Programs
Arizona Western College
Michelle.Thomas@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7763