AWC celebrates first generation students November 3-6
October 28, 2025Yuma, Ariz. (October 28, 2024) – Join Arizona Western College (AWC) in celebrating first-generation college students across Yuma & La Paz Counties during First Gen College Celebration Week from November 3-6.
For the past eight years, institutions from across the nation have celebrated first-generation students, faculty, and staff on November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This November, AWC has dedicated a week to celebrate the first-generation students that make up roughly 60% of the AWC student population.
AWC has collaborated with its partner universities—University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University—and the AWC Health & Wellness Department to host a variety of events including a student and alumni panel, financial literacy session, job fair, health and wellness fairs, and more.
A Financial Aid and Family Night will be held on Thursday, November 6th for the campus community in addition to TRIO Program students and families. The event will run from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the Yuma Campus in the Matador Activity Center, Room 106.
“This year’s First Gen Panel will feature an inspiring lineup of panelists, including first-generation college students from Arizona Western College, our university partners, and local high schools,” said Michelle Thomas, AWC Director of TRIO Programs. “Together, they will share their personal stories of navigating the higher education journey—from preparing for college to transferring and pursuing a university degree. We look forward to hearing their unique perspectives, challenges, and successes as they continue to pave the way for future first-generation students.”
The lineup of activities for First Gen College Celebration Week will take place across the AWC campuses in San Luis, Parker, and Yuma.
For more information about the event, contact Chaney Linares at chaney.linares@azwestern.edu.
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Contact:
Chaney Linares
KEYS Program Specialist
Arizona Western College
chaney.linares@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7761
Contact:
Michelle Thomas
Director of TRIO Programs
Arizona Western College
michelle.thomas@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7763