News
AWC celebrates National TRIO Day with 5K and Community Resource Fair
February 19, 2026Yuma, Ariz. (February 19, 2026) – Arizona Western College (AWC) will celebrate the 40th Annual National TRIO Day on Saturday, February 28, by hosting a 5K Walk/Run and Community Resource Fair on the AWC Yuma Campus. Students, alumni, campus leaders, and community partners are invited to participate in the event, which celebrates student success, raises awareness of TRIO’s mission, and reinforces AWC’s commitment to educational equity.
Observed by colleges and universities nationwide, National TRIO Day recognizes the impact of Federal TRIO Programs in supporting first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans in achieving their higher education goals.
“TRIO students are scholars, problem-solvers, community builders, and future leaders,” said Michelle Thomas, AWC Director of TRIO Programs. “National TRIO Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, recognize their perseverance, and reaffirm our commitment to providing the support and resources students need to reach their academic and career goals.”
Registration for the run is $25, with registration and event check-in starting at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K starting at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support TRIO student scholarships. Click here to pre-register for the event.
For more information about Arizona Western College’s National TRIO Day events or TRIO services, please contact Michelle Thomas at (928) 344-7763.
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About AWC TRIO Programs:
Arizona Western College currently serves approximately 900 students through its TRIO programs, including Upward Bound, Talent Search, and KEYS (Student Support Services). These programs provide comprehensive support such as academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, college readiness services, and career development. Nationally, TRIO programs serve more than 800,000 students each year, spanning middle school through graduate education, including adult learners and veterans.
About National TRIO Day:
Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day highlights the importance of educational access, academic persistence, and opportunity as drivers of student success and community strength. The Federal TRIO Programs were created through the Higher Education Act to address systemic barriers to postsecondary education and promote college completion. National TRIO Day was officially recognized by Congress in 1986 as a day of celebration, community engagement, and advocacy. This year’s observance marks the 40th annual National TRIO Day, celebrating a legacy of programs that have helped more than six million students access and complete higher education.
Contact:
Michelle Thomas
Director of TRIO Programs
Arizona Western College
michelle.thomas@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7763