Birds eye view of the Arizona Western Yuma campus during the 2025 Agriculture Summit, looking down at the 3C building, palm trees, and sidewalks, with large tractors and agriculture equipment parked in the green space.

District Governing Board approves preliminary budget

April 28, 2025

FY2026 budget to focus on investing in students while navigating fiscal uncertainty

Yuma, Ariz. (April 28, 2025) – On April 22, Arizona Western College District Governing Board members approved a preliminary budget that prioritizes student success while navigating the financial instability across higher education.

The 2026 Preliminary Budget supports AWC’s 2028 Strategic Plan by directing resources to expand student opportunity, strengthen access, and build workforce-ready programs. Emphasis was placed on student-centered initiatives including early college access, prison education programs, experiential learning, and emerging technology for student and staff needs.

“The approval of our preliminary budget marks an exciting step forward in our strategic plan to expand opportunity across the region,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “At Arizona Western College, we remain deeply committed to ensuring access to higher education for every learner—whether they’re starting early through our Early College programs or preparing to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With intentionality, community partnership, and student focus, Fiscal Year 2026 will be a great year to be a Matador!”

Amid the evolving federal funding environment, AWC remains committed to serving students while taking a conservative approach to budgeting.

"The 2026 Budget was built with our 2028 Strategic Plan at its core, providing direction, fostering innovative thinking, and ensuring fiscal prudence,” shared Czarina Gallegos, Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services. “With Dr. Corr's leadership and the innovative thinking of the Entrepreneurial College, Advancement, Learning, and Student Services teams, we are well-positioned to navigate fiscal challenges while continuing to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to our community."

The District Governing Board will review the proposed budget at their May 8 meeting, with a consideration to adopt the budget. A copy of the preliminary budget can be found here.

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Contact: 
Czarina Gallegos
Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services
Arizona Western College
vpforfinancesignature@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7526

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