News
Local fifth graders experience college life at AWC
March 24, 2026“I’m Going to College” event brings students from James B. Rolle Elementary to Yuma Campus
Yuma, Ariz. (March 24, 2026) – Arizona Western College recently welcomed over 70 fifth-grade students from James B. Rolle Elementary School to the Yuma Campus, encouraging them to begin envisioning their future in higher education during the semi-annual I’m Going to College event on March 5.
The event walked students through a mock new student orientation before they attended three mini college classes taught by faculty members from AWC and partner state universities. Professors volunteered to teach the elementary students 25-minute lessons on their areas of expertise, giving students a first-hand look into a college classroom.
Students enjoyed lunch on campus and culminated the experience with an achievement ceremony, taking home I'm Going to College T-shirts with the year they will complete their bachelor's degree (2037).
AWC has invited elementary-age students to campus to inspire them to consider higher education and create a college-going culture in the community for over a decade. Over 3,150 students have come through the program since its inception in 2010. The spring and fall I’m Going to College events have been funded in part by the Burton Family Foundation.
To learn more about the AWC I'm Going to College events, contact Biridiana Martinez at biridiana.martinez@azwestern.edu.
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Contact:
Biridiana Martinez
Outreach, Recruitment, and Early College Program Director
Arizona Western College
biridiana.martinez@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-6084