Fifth-grade students get hands-on college experience
February 23, 2023Yuma, AZ (February 23, 2023) – For over a decade, Arizona Western College has invited fifth-graders to become college students for a day through the I’m Going to College program.
On Thursday, March 9, a group of 150 students from Otondo Elementary School will get to participate in this program at the AWC Yuma Campus to experience what it’s like to be in a college environment. The media is invited to attend this event. (Photos from the event can be found here.)
Faculty members from Arizona Western College and partner state universities have volunteered to teach the elementary students 25-minute lessons on their areas of expertise, giving students a first-hand look into a college classroom.
Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with college students and culminate the experience with an achievement ceremony surrounded by AWC faculty, staff, and students.
“We are planting the seeds of the future to help college ideas grow into career goals,” said Biridiana Martinez, AWC Admissions, Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator. “The I’m Going to College event provides early college awareness to students in our community with an exceptional hands-on experience.”
AWC first began offering this opportunity in 2010 as a way to inspire young students to consider higher education and to create a college-going culture. Since its inception, over 2,660 students from Yuma and La Paz counties have come through the program.
Contact:
Biridiana Martinez
Admissions, Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Biridiana.Martinez@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-6084