Innovation Fund Logo

Launched by Dr. Corr and the District Governing Board in 2017, the Innovation Fund supports creative, one-time projects that align with AWC’s Strategic Plan. This year, $86,000 is available for projects launching in Spring 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Faculty, staff, and students! We want your ideas!

What We’re Looking For

Projects that support AWC’s 2028 Strategic Plan.

Important Dates

Proposal submissions open: September 30, 2025
Deadline to apply: October 31, 2025
Recipients announced: December 1, 2025
Projects completed by: December 31, 2026

Questions

Reach out to Strategic.Planning@azwestern.edu or contact Michelle Struck.

The Innovation Screening Committee is comprised of Cabinet members, faculty, and staff. Funds will be available to winners in January 2026.

Call for Proposals

AWC Faculty, Staff, & Students are invited to submit a Spring 2026 proposal that strengthens our culture, values, and student experience, with a focus on Excelencia, Access, and Disruption.

  • Submit a 2–4 minute video pitch explaining your project and its impact
  • Include a YouTube video link in the Form
  • Recipients will be announced Monday, December 1, 2025

Check back soon!
Proposal form to be added at a later date.

  • Priority will be given to projects that focus on 2 strategic objectives: AI/Center for the Future and/or Excelencia
  • Projects that are funded must be completed by December 30, 2026.
  • All funded projects must comply with AWC purchasing guidelines.
  • Not all projects will receive funding.

Our Impact in Numbers

8

Years Funded from 2018-2025

62

Projects Funded

$741,400

Total Amount Funded

Innovation Fund Awards 2025

  • Luis Landeros - Legacy Walls - $ 26,000
  • Kamyla Ruis/Sarah Snyder - Zoom Cubbies - $ 25,000
  • Marlie Meza - Dual Credit Re-defined - $ 15,000
  • Michelle Thomas - Future Matador Career Exploration Camp - $20,000
  • Congratulations to the projects awarded funding!

Innovation Fund Awards 2024

  • Sara Amani - LeadHERship - $ 20,000
  • Tosha Gillespie - Living Walls - $ 15,000
  • Ellen Riek - Yuma History Map - $ 13,750
  • Jane Peabody - Updating Fitness Center Equipment - $10,000
  • Lisa Swenson - Assistive Tech Lab Renovation - $ 5,850
  • Shara Skinner - DAC at the MAC - $5,500
  • Biridiana Martinez - AWC Enrollment Tour - $5,000
  • Angie Creel & Carrie Dawson - Our Part of Yuma History - $4,600
  • William Blomquist - MAC Visual Arts Display - $ 3,750
  • Jacob Gibson - Bug Days and Beyond - $2,600

Innovation Fund Awards 2023

  • Dave Riek - Siendo Primero - $10,000
  • Susanna Zambrano - The Hungry Matador - $10,500
  • SGA & Shara Skinner - Illuminate AWC - $15,000
  • Sci Club & Abby Maze - Science Study Area - $7,000
  • Michelle Thomas - Club SOTE - $22,620
  • Drs. Kevin Kato & Shawn Clevell - Human Wellness Lab - $20,645

Congratulations to the projects awarded funding!

Innovation Fund Awards 2022

  • Sara Amani - TEDxAWC - $16,487
  • Sam Colton - AWC Solar Training Center - $17,000
  • Rosalia Delgado - CAMP Lounge - $16,181
  • Brenda Doak - Reskilling Mural (Downtown) - $5,760
  • Grant Molinar - Honors Lunch in the Lounge - $2,500
  • Kristine Duke - Business Simulation - $5,500
  • Stephanie O’Connor - Shade of Possibilities - $9,727
  • Adriana Martinez - Student Wellness Room - $5,500

Innovation Fund Awards 2021

  • Julie Koepp - Andale's Apparel - $ 22,000
  • Biri Martinez - Future Matador Digital Display - $ 10,000
  • Leah McKeogh - Rainbow Mural and Sidewalk - $ 8,200
  • Laura Sandigo - Adaptive Technology Pilot Loan Program - $ 6,337
  • Susie Zambrano - Magnificent Matadors - $ 6,585

Innovation Fund Awards 2020

Innovation Fund Awards 2019

Innovation Fund Awards 2018

Have a question?

Contact us!

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Phone: (928) 317-6250

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Strategic.Planning@azwestern.edu

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