News
AWC seeks donations for La Cosecha scholarships
February 24, 2026Yuma, Ariz. (February 20, 2026) – Arizona Western College is seeking donations to support scholarships awarded at the annual La Cosecha banquet, which celebrates AWC students preparing to transfer to a university. Contributions directly benefit students who have demonstrated exceptional persistence in overcoming personal, financial, and academic barriers.
La Cosecha, meaning The Harvest, is designed to recognize the accomplishments of AWC graduates transferring to a four-year university in the presence of their families, college officials, staff, and community guests. All honored graduates will receive a certificate of recognition and commemorative sash, and five students are selected to share their stories as featured event speakers.
Students recognized at La Cosecha must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• First Generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.)
• Relied/depended on financial aid to complete a degree
• Students with a disability
• Experienced unusual/extenuating circumstances during degree completion (i.e. illness, loss of income, death in the family)
Last year, AWC awarded 10 scholarships at the celebration thanks to the generous support of staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. This year, the college hopes to expand scholarship opportunities through increased community participation.
“Through the generosity of our community, La Cosecha transforms perseverance into possibility—turning dreams of transfer into degrees earned,” said Martha Cordova, Director of the AWC Transfer Center. “Supporting La Cosecha is an investment in students who have overcome extraordinary challenges and are ready to thrive at the university level.”
This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, May 14 in the Schoening Conference Center, located in the 3C Building of the AWC Yuma Campus.
Donations can be made on the AWC Foundation website at foundation.azwestern.edu/give-online. Select “La Cosecha Scholarship” under the drop-down menu.
The media is invited to attend this event.
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About La Cosecha:
La Cosecha is made possible through the long-standing generosity and leadership of community partners committed to expanding educational opportunity for AWC students. The event was transformed from a small reception into a formal banquet in 1997 through the vision and support of Candy Camarena, who partnered with AWC for 26 years to enhance student recognition. In 2023, Jimmy Esparza, CEO of Renewable Power USA, became the newest financial partner, ensuring the continuation of this longstanding tradition.
Contact:
Angela Amezaga
Transfer Services and Program Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Angela.Amezaga@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7630
Contact:
Martha Cordova
Director of Transfer Center
Arizona Western College
Martha.Cordova@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7601