Arizona Western College partners with Pipeline AZ to launch Bridge program
February 3, 2025Yuma, Ariz. (February 3, 2025) – Activating student career inspiration and exploration into program enrollment is a critical part of connecting our workforce ecosystem. Arizona Western College is excited to partner with Pipeline AZ to launch the college Bridge program with My Future AZ. Pipeline AZ built My Future AZ in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, Center for the Future of Arizona, and Arizona Business and Education Coalition for students’ career exploration in K-12. This program aims to better facilitate the transition from high school to college for Yuma County students.
Thanks to the Department of Labor’s Forging STEM Career Literacy and Pathways in Rural Arizona, students using My Future AZ can now denote in their Education and Career Action Plan goals that they plan to attend Arizona Western College and choose a related pathway or program to be connected to the college for support. This will expand beyond STEM interests enabling equitable access towards all Arizona careers, especially those that are high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill occupations.
Arizona Western College advisors are ready to assist students for a more seamless enrollment process. This dedicated approach will initiate a connection between Arizona Western College advisors to Yuma County high school students much earlier and more intentionally.
“Creating a bridge to the future of work is that of a joint community. Pipeline AZ recognizes that student success is not simply finding a program, but also understanding where that program fits within a career pathway, therefore collaboration with partners is key to achieving that success in the long run.” said Katherine Adams, Pipeline AZ’s Senior Vice President.
“Working with Pipeline AZ, Arizona Western College is able to help our students identify their skills and interests and connect that information to in-demand careers. We are excited to bridge this interest earlier and support our Yuma students as they aspire to Arizona Western College,” said Reetika Dhawan, Vice President for Workforce Development and Career & Technical Education at Arizona Western College. “This new program will put our students on track to completing their program from day one. The ultimate goal is employment within our community that fits our students’ passions.”
Pipeline AZ serves five of the community college districts statewide with branded and customized community college solutions for students to utilize while attending the respective college. Arizona Western College’s solution, AWC Pipeline, was established in 2023.
“Forging STEM Career Literacy and Pathways in Rural Arizona” is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. A total of $1,998,968 or 100 percent of the Workforce Pathways for Youth award [23A60YP000003-01-01] is financed with Federal funds. The program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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About Pipeline AZ:
The PipelineAZ.com platform has established a foundation to serve as a one-stop shop for industry, talent, education and government to make the connections that enhance opportunities for all while contributing to the state’s economic vitality. It is where talent can access the resources to enhance their opportunities. It is where employers can find talent that possesses the skills, education and training they need. Pipelines’ commitment to Arizona’s future is backed by alliances, funding sources and a deep understanding of the state’s unique economic landscape. By positioning itself as the center of Arizona’s career ecosystem, Pipeline empowers individuals and businesses to thrive in an interconnected world where education meets industry, talent meets opportunity, and communities flourish together.
About Arizona Western College:
Located in Yuma, Arizona, Arizona Western College offers over 100 degrees and certificates in a wide range of academic and career technical programs, as well as non-credit courses in professional development, customized training, and personal enrichment areas. AWC has 12 locations across a 10,000 square mile, 2-county service area, and hosts all three state universities on our main campus for face-to-face classes. Our college serves more than 300 students who reside on our main campus and fields 7 competitive athletic teams. Our students participate in over 50 campus clubs, and we are home to a challenging Honors Program and curriculum, and a world-class International Program, representing 30 countries from around the globe. Our Mission is to transform lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities.
Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9594
Contact:
Katherine Adams
Senior Vice President
Pipeline AZ
kadams@pipelineaz.com
(480) 371-8889