Future Matadors Career Exploration Camp empowers first-generation students
July 10, 2025Week-long camp connects AWC student mentors with high school students in Yuma and Parker
Yuma, Ariz. (July 10, 2025) – Last month, Arizona Western College hosted the inaugural Future Matadors Career Exploration Camp for local high school students in Yuma and Parker. The week-long summer camp aimed at inspiring first-generation and underrepresented high school students to pursue higher education and future careers.
In December 2024, the Future Matadors Camp was selected as a beneficiary of the AWC Innovation Fund, allowing the TRIO Talent Search Program to implement the project. Designed for rising ninth through eleventh grade students, the camp paired 30 high schoolers with nine AWC first-generation college student mentors.
The program's goals included raising awareness about higher education, building long-term academic and career goals, and strengthening leadership skills among AWC mentors.
“The Innovation Fund project, Future Matadors Career Exploration Camp—held simultaneously on both the Yuma and Parker campuses—offered a unique opportunity for high school students to explore future careers and college pathways with support from AWC CTE faculty, staff, and students,” said Michelle Thomas, AWC Director of TRIO Programs. “Our college student mentors also gained valuable skills and experience to support their own career and college goals. Both groups had a meaningful and fun-filled week.”
Over the course of five days, students had the opportunity to learn about college admissions and financial aid, explore career opportunities at local businesses and organizations, and gain skills in teamwork and problem-solving through activities led by the AWC student mentors.
“Guidance matters and learning from professionals is the best way to go!” said Zenaida Briones, an Academic Success Advisor at the Parker campus. “Students from Parker High School had a great experience doing career exploration at Parker AWC in our first summer camp, learning from local community members. Our students now have a stronger local network of role models they can turn to for guidance and support.”
As the pressing need for college and career exposure grows, AWC is eager to nurture new and existing partnerships with local businesses and organizations that connect pre-college and college students with exploration programs like Future Matadors. By fostering early interest in college and careers, students from underrepresented backgrounds can gain the tools and confidence to pursue post-secondary education.
Learn more about the AWC TRIO Programs here: KEYS, Talent Search, and Upward Bound.
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Contact:
Michelle Thomas
Director of TRIO Programs
Arizona Western College
michelle.thomas@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7763