Get support at AWC and in the Local Community

Campus Resources

Student Veterans Club – The AWC Student Veterans and Service-members Organization (SVSO) is a recognized AWC student club that provides networking, social assistance, and leadership development throughout the college experience. Membership is open to all AWC active duty, veteran, and family members of service members along with any AWC student that supports those who defend our nation. To join send your contact information (Name, AWC ID number, Phone, Email) to either Rebecca Cordero-Torres at Rebecca.Cordero-Torres@azwestern.edu.

The AWC Student Veterans Organization is proud to be a chapter of the Student Veterans of America organization.

Student Military and Veteran Center – Located on the top floor of the 3C, the Student Military and Veteran Center is a lounge and meeting space where student veterans can study, socialize, and relax in between classes. It is equipped with Wi-Fi access, public computer workstations, flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and a quiet study room.

Workshops and Tutoring – Tutoring is also available at the Military and Veteran Student Center. Free tutoring is available for all AWC students in various subjects at the Student Success Center.

Local Resources

There are many community resources for veterans here in Yuma. Click below for a list of local resources.

General Resources

  • Arizona Vet Benefit Office 2811 S. 4th Ave, Suite D, Yuma, AZ (928) 726-2851
  • American Legion Post #56 1490 W. 3rd St, Yuma, AZ (928) 343-1490
  • American Legion Post #19 2575 South Virginia Dr. Yuma, AZ (928) 344-3441
  • VFW Post #8242 7120 S US Hwy 95, Yuma, AZ (928) 341-1522

Employment / Transition

  • State of Arizona Veteran’s Employment Advocate Unit 1185 S. Redondo Center Dr. Yuma, AZ (928) 247-8754
  • Goodwill Career Center 3097 S. 8th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 343-7600
  • MCAS Yuma Benefits Advisor Bldg. 852, Corner of Quilter St, Yuma, AZ (928) 269-3172
  • MCAS Yuma T.A.M.P. Office Bldg. 852, Corner of Quilter St, Yuma, AZ (928) 269-3159
  • U.S. Army Garrison Yuma 301 C Street, Bldg. 501, YPG, AZ (928) 328-2167
  • Yuma Private Industry Council 3834 W. 16th St., Yuma, AZ (928) 329-0990

Healthcare

  • Disabled American Veterans 954 S 13th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-6661
  • VA Clinic 2555 Gila Ridge Rd. Yuma, AZ (520) 629-4900
  • Yuma County Vet Center 1450 E. 16th St, Suite 103 Yuma, AZ (928) 271-8700
  • Yuma VA Clinic 3111 S 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 317-9973
  • Education (Military Office)
  • Arizona Western College 2020 S. Ave 8E, Yuma, AZ (928) 344-7622
  • College of Health Careers 950 E. Main Street, Building A, Somerton, AZ 85350 (928) 315-7600
  • Yuma Truck Driving School 3180 E. 32nd St, Yuma, AZ (928) 919-7041

Housing

  • Crossroads Mission 944 S. Arizona Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-9362
  • National Community Health Partners 255 W. 24th St., Suite 4, Yuma, AZ (928) 726-6022
  • Right Turn for Yuma Veterans 257 S. 3rd Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-2427
  • Veterans Assisted Living 2600 S. 4th Ave. Yuma, AZ (928) 726-9198

Meals / Nutrition

  • Crossroads Mission 944 S. Arizona Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-9362
    • 5:30am-6:45am - Breakfast
    • 11:30am-12:00pm - Lunch
    • 5:00pm – 6:00pm - Dinner
  • Yuma Community Food Bank 2404 W. 24th St., Yuma, AZ (928) 343-1243
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Other Resources

Resources specifically addressing the needs of our Student Veterans. Click below for a list of Student Veteran resources.

Make the Connection

Scholarships

SEE4VETS is the proud donor of AWC's Ray Torres Military & Veteran Memorial Scholarship and The Military & Veteran Relief Fund. Both funds are utilized to advance our Veterans education and career goals.

The Ray Torres Military & Veteran Memorial Scholarship, is available for the payment of academic studies here at Arizona Western College. This is scholarship is available during the Scholarship cycle that runs February- April Those wanting to apply for this scholarship must do so through AWC's foundation link.

Along with the application, candidates must submit a 500-word essay over a topic decided during each Scholarship season. Other qualifying factors include:

  • Not using any benefits
  • Must maintain a 2.5 GPA
  • A veteran of the armed forces

The Military & Veteran Relief Fund is available for students who may need financial assistance for academic and non-academic resources, such as, but not limited to, paying for textbooks, purchase of education essential equipment (calculators, software programs, uniforms required for courses at Arizona Western College, etc.), as funds are available.

Candidates who wish to seek these funds may receive and submit their application at the Veteran Service Office located at Arizona Western College in building 3C (2nd floor) room 2116.

Veterans Donation Fund-Food Program- “Funded in part by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services as made available through the Arizona Veterans’ Donations Fund.” 

This funding is set aside for student in Yuma, Parker, and South Counties to receive food cards or amounts placed on account to eat at Sodexo. Candidates who wish to seek these funds may receive and submit their application at the Veteran Service Office located at Arizona Western College in building 3C (2nd floor) room 2116,   

Veteran Spouses Tuition Scholarship- Spouses of honorably discharged veterans enrolled at an Arizona public university or participating community college are eligible to receive free tuition on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • The award amount is up to the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid.
  • To qualify:
  • Be an Arizona resident and continue to be a resident while receiving the scholarship.
  • Qualify for in-state tuition. Read here for more information about in-state tuition and residency: AWC
  • Be the spouse of an honorably discharged U.S. armed forces veteran.
  • Be admitted and enrolled at Arizona Western College
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Allow the release of information necessary to determine continued eligibility for the scholarship (FERPA).

For more information about the scholarship, check with the financial aid office Arizona Western College, or the Director of Military & Veteran Services Rebecca L Cordero-Torres. Information is also available in ABOR policy.

Vet Net Ally Program

Look for the Vet Net Ally decal around campus, as these allies can provide support, information, and assistance for service members and veterans. Vet Net Allies understand the needs and concerns of military service members and student veterans. If you see a Vet Net Ally decal in their workspace, you know they are veteran supportive and will take the extra step to assist you and your family. For a list of current Vet Net Allies, expand the accordion below.

VET NET CONTACTS

For information on becoming a Vet Net Ally contact
veteran.services@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7622

Name Office Location Phone
Brooke Ayars AC – 244 (928) 317-6341
Holly Banes 3C - 2303 (928) 317-6042
Ervin Kenneth Barnes AC - 245 (928) 344-7781
Joann Chang AS - 117 (928) 344-7665
Daniel J Davis BA – 122 (928) 317-6474
Adele Edwards BA - 105 (928) 344-7588
Maria Guerrero 3C – 2210 (928) 344-7630
Alejandro Gutierrez Student Activities Game Room (3C)  
Nicolas Hanhan AC – 124 (928) 317-6082
Carmen Madero Downtown Center (928) 317-6186
Michael Kennedy   (928) 344-7592
Monica Ketchum BA - 228 (928) 344-7646
Martha Martinez LA - 102 (928) 344-7607
Bernadette Presloid SC - 203 (928) 317-7088
Laura Rios 3C - Top Floor (928) 344-7702
Kenia Rodriguez 3C - Top Floor (928) 344-7762
Billy E Rose 3C – 2211 (928) 344-7604
Frandcis Senatus 3C - Top Floor (928) 344-7622
Matthew Smith AS – 133 (928) 317-7105
Donna Taylor LR - 65 (928) 317-7606
Josie Uriarte Wellton Learning Center (928) 314-9435
Tymmi Woods Library (928) 317-6434
Mabel Woods    
Chaney Linares    
Bree Anna McGregor    
Shannon Paggeot    

Vet Art Project

Runs as a 12 week grant funded course every Spring & Fall!

Guidelines

  • Verify Veteran/Active status through an ID or DD 214- This will automatically Verify Spouse.
  • Spouses accompanying their Veteran will take 2nd priority following the Veteran.
  • If they are a dependent child, Military guidelines for dependent status will be followed—up to 21 if they are not in school and 26 if they are actively in school and still live at home, (unless space permits)
  • All returning students will be added to the waitlist to allow for new student enrollment in the order in which they call. 
  • Veterans, their immediate spouses, and dependents will take priority!

For more information call 928-344-722.

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Arizona Western College (AWC) Veteran Art Program is to bring healing support to our veterans and their families through the creative approach of pottery and ceramics. The course provides seats for up to 16 students during a 12 week semester free to Veterans and their dependents.
The program also provides networking opportunities among students, alumni and supporters of the military and veteran community, by providing social assistance and leadership development throughout the college experience.  

Background

The AWC Veteran Art Program was founded in 2014 by Professor Steve Dilly who understood the struggles of service members, who had been affected by PTSD and found a positive and healthy way to help them deal with it. Throughout the life of the program, it has been kept alive by generous professors like Angel Luna, who gave of his time, when funding was low, to ensure the program would continue. He also worked closely with other departments to secure a humanity grant in 2018. The program has seen great success since its inception, always carrying a waiting list of students hoping to get in each semester. Currently it Falls under the Military & Veteran Services Dept. and supported by the AWC Foundation and Fine Arts Dept.
Arizona Western College is located in Yuma, Arizona, a small town that is proud to be the home of two military installations, the Third Marine Air Wing Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (Marine Corps) and the Yuma Proving Ground (Army).  AWC currently has approximately 400 active duty military, veterans and family members utilizing their educational benefits, along with a long list of faculty and administrators that are Veterans’ themselves. Yuma is proud to be a military friendly town, that celebrates our Nation’s heroes and the sacrifices they and their families endure each and every day, and AWC takes pride in identifying itself as a community partner and designated Veteran Supportive Campus by the AZDVS and Military Supportive through its Military Friendly designation as well.