AWC leaders attend National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.
February 10, 2022President Dr. Daniel Corr and District Governing Board Secretary Olivia Zepeda meet with Senator Mark Kelly
Yuma, AZ (February 10, 2022) – Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr and AWC District Governing Board Secretary Olivia Zepeda traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for the Community College National Legislative Summit.
The National Legislative Summit brought together more than 700 community college trustees, presidents, and other leaders to shine a spotlight on the importance of the nation’s community colleges. The event is designed to inform and educate community college leaders on federal policy issues that impact postsecondary institutions and students.
Those in attendance heard from members of U.S. Congress, leading political analysts, and other high-profile speakers about the current climate in D.C., recent elections, and legislative issues impacting community colleges. Featured speakers included First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh, and more.
“This conference offers a great opportunity to learn and network with people who are experiencing the same difficulties and also having successes,” said Zepeda. “Coming here to be an advocate for AWC is a great honor for me.”
Participants also had the chance to network with fellow community college leaders and meet with their U.S. representatives in Congress to advocate for their support for community colleges and their students.
Corr and Zepeda met with Senator Mark Kelly to advocate for expanded Pell eligibility. The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant offered to eligible undergraduate students based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible.
“It is important that America’s community colleges have our voices heard in Washington, D.C,” said Corr. “Being able to express our strong support for Pell expansion directly to Senator Kelly and other elected leaders is critically important.”
“My impression of Senator Kelly is that he cares about our students and will support the initiatives that will help them pay for school,” Zepeda said.
Contact:
Ashley Herrington
Chief of Staff
Arizona Western College
Ashley.Herrington@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7501
Contact:
Mandy Heil
Associate Dean of Communications & Marketing
Arizona Western College
Mandy.Heil@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9594
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Photo caption: Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr (second from left) and AWC District Governing Board Secretary Olivia Zepeda (third from left) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for the Community College National Legislative Summit. As part of the event, Dr. Corr and Olivia Zepeda had the opportunity to meet with Senator Mark Kelly (pictured fourth from left) to advocate for expanded Pell eligibility. This meeting also included other Arizona community college representation (pictured from left to right) Eastern Arizona College President Todd Haynie; Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr; Arizona Western College District Governing Board Secretary Olivia Zepeda; Senator Mark Kelly; Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine; Yavapai College students Andrew Tucker and Brian Moultrup; and Yavapai College Vice President Rodney Jenkins.