TRIO students celebrated at graduation ceremonies
May 27, 2025Yuma, Ariz. (March 29, 2025) – This month, Arizona Western College recognized the hard work of students from the AWC TRIO programs, holding events in both Yuma and Parker, Arizona to celebrate the 2025 graduates.
TRIO Programs at AWC (KEYS, Talent Search, and Upward Bound) serve local first generation and low-income students, providing financial, academic, and personal supports for students to attend and graduate college. Students impacted by the AWC TRIO Programs have shown incredible dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to their futures,
"Celebrating our graduates is a cherished TRIO tradition that we proudly uphold each year,” said Director of TRIO Programs Michelle Thomas. ”This year marked an exciting new chapter as all three AWC TRIO programs came together in Yuma and Parker for collective celebrations of our students’ achievements."
In addition to celebrating this year’s graduates, the events also acknowledged the leadership of KEYS Club SOTE Officers and the contributions of the NAU Social Work Interns during the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Yuma TRIO Graduation and Awards Celebration was held on Thursday, May 8 at the Rococo Events & Banquet Hall, while the AWC Parker Learning Center celebrated their TRIO graduates at the TRIO Graduation Reception on Wednesday, May 21.
Learn more about the AWC TRIO Programs here: KEYS, Talent Search, and Upward Bound.
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About TRIO:
TRIO is a set of federally-funded college-based educational opportunity outreach programs that motivate and support students from low-income backgrounds including military veterans and students with disabilities. Currently serving more than 880,000 students from middle school through post-graduate study, TRIO provides academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary to promote college access, retention, and graduation.
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