Transfer conference to be held in collaboration with university partners
February 23, 2022Event slated to be held in person at Yuma and San Luis campuses with virtual option
Yuma, AZ (February 23, 2022) – Arizona Western College is teaming up with its university partners to host the 2nd Annual Desert Southwest Transfer Conference from March 7-10.
The event is being held in conjunction with AWC’s annual Transfer Week, which gives students valuable information and resources they need for a successful transition to the university of their choice. The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University will each have a day during the week to highlight their programs and student resources.
“This conference will provide students with the tools to succeed in their educational endeavors,” said Martha Cordova, Director of Transfer Services at AWC.
There will also be an opportunity for students to learn about career opportunities within their major and network with agencies and employers regarding current and future jobs, internships, and volunteer possibilities during the Transfer and Career Expo at the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E. Attendees from public safety and health fields will include the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department, Arizona Army National Guard, United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona, Community Health Associates, and many more. Representatives from the three in-state universities, partner universities, and other institutions will also be available at this event.
Funding for the Desert Southwest Transfer Conference is being provided through part of a $790,000 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Collaboration Grant awarded to the University of Arizona - Yuma and its college partners. Grant partners include AWC, Imperial Valley College, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with the effort supported by Greater Yuma Economic Development, Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and the Gadsden Elementary School District. As an initiative of the grant, the conference is part of the ISEEME Project, which supports improved systems thinking between students, industry, mentors, and community stakeholders working together to affect change and address the lack of a diverse pipeline of STEM-educated and skilled local talent.
This year, the Northern Arizona University-Yuma Education Success (YES) Program has joined conference sponsorship efforts to support participant resources for those seeking university transfer pathway opportunities.
During the event kickoff, conference-goers will also have a chance to hear from bilingual youth leadership speaker Ovi Vasquez. Vasquez went from working in the sugarcane fields of Central America at the age of eight to being accepted to Harvard Business School Online. He is the author of six books including a No. 1 Bestseller. He is a TEDx speaker on Self-Leadership and has been a recurrent On-air collaborator for Univision. Ovi has worked for global corporations like Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, Uber, and General Motors. A role model for first-generation college students, he educates and connects with students by sharing his story and insights on how to succeed in school.
The Transfer Conference will move to the AWC San Luis Learning Center, 1340 N. 8th Ave., on Monday evening from 6-8:30 p.m. for Family Night, kicked off with Keynote Ovi Vasquez’s motivational talk for families and students- “Ponte en Mis Zapatos.” Collaborating universities will offer sessions highlighting degree programs, financial aid, and other student support information, including an application workshop.
Another highlighted speaker will offer students the knowledge to learn about finances to further promote their success. Adam Carroll is an internationally recognized financial literacy expert and author of Winning the Money Game, 30 Days to $1K, and Mastery of Money for Students. He is a two-time TED talk speaker, with one of his talks surpassing 4 million views. He is the creator of the Broke, Busted & Disgusted documentary which has been played in hundreds of high schools and colleges, and is featured on CNBC and available on iTunes. He is the founder and curator of www.MasteryOfMoney.com and a contributor to the Huffington Post. His virtual presentation topic will offer insight on one of the most prominent topics and challenges students face to attain higher education, his presentation will feature “How to Finance your Education."
Students can visit here to register for the Desert Southwest Transfer Conference, view the schedule of events, and for more details about how to register for university-specific days. Events will be held at Yuma and San Luis campuses and there will also be a virtual option. The first 100 students to register for this free event will receive a shirt and a conference-in-a-box that includes university SWAG.
Contact:
Angela Amezaga
Transfer Services and Program Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Angela.Amezaga@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7630