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The Innovation Fund supports creative, one-time projects that align with AWC’s Strategic Objectives. This year, $86,000 is available for projects launching in Spring 2027.
Who Can Apply?
Faculty, staff, and students! We want your ideas!
What We’re Looking For
Projects that introduce a new idea, approach, or solution that improve upon existing practices.
Important Dates
Proposal submissions open: September 28, 2026
Deadline to apply: October 30, 2026
Recipients announced: November 30, 2026
Projects completed by: December 31, 2027
Questions
Reach out to Strategic.Planning@azwestern.edu or contact Michelle Struck.
The Innovation Screening Committee is comprised of Cabinet members, faculty, and staff.
Call for Proposals
AWC Faculty, Staff, & Students are invited to submit a Spring 2027 proposal that strengthens our culture, values, and student experience.
Completed proposal form must include the following:
- Priority will be given to projects that focus on 2 strategic objectives: AI/Center for the Future and/or Excelencia
- All funded projects must comply with AWC purchasing guidelines.
- Not all projects will receive funding.
Our Impact in Numbers
9
Years Funded from 2018-2026
69
Projects Funded
$827,150
Total Amount Funded
Innovation Fund Awards 2026
- Fred Maldonado - Updating Military and Veteran Services - $17,000
- Biridiana Martinez - Mateo Community Tour - $3,000
- Gabe Ureña - FireSafe 360 - $15,900
- Julissa Vargas - Transforming the Student and Employee Experience - $14,750
- Robert Gedeon - Campus Café Courtyard - $27,000
- Bernadetta Ortega - Implementing Indigenous Artwork - $6,000
- Manizheh Nafari - Mathematics for Conservation Literacy - $2,100
Congratulations to the projects awarded funding!
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
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
- Andale's Pathway to Wellness - $ 20,674
- Somerton Matador's Patio - $ 6,200
- #becomingamatador - $ 16,000
- Border Radio Listening Lounge - $ 8,000
- Fillable Water Stations - $ 15,000
- Poverty Simulation and Food Pantry Toiletry Expansion - $ 7,000
- AWC En Español - $ 11,678
Innovation Fund Awards 2019
- Community on Campus: Downtown center - $ 5,000
- Power Up the Ramadas - $ 19,999
- Andale's Pantry - $ 10,000
- Adding Calculators Subtracts Barriers - $ 13,500
- Improving Native American Experience at AWC - $ 5,000
- Gardening and Mud Kitchen Equipment - $ 5,410
- Peer Mentor for Secondary Ed - $ 6,000
- Grow Your Own EDU Jumpstart: Parker - $ 7,500
- Women Resource Center - $ 10,000
- Art Curiosity's project - $ 1,538
- Total - $83,947
Innovation Fund Awards 2018
- AWC Welcome Center - $ 40,000
- San Luis Home Away from Home - $ 35,000
- KAWC Border Radio Project - $ 27,500
- Business Incubator Project - $ 22,500
- Student Seating & Charging Stations - $ 20,000
- American Indian Student Recruitment - $ 8,500
- Writing @ AWC - $ 7,500
- Art Garden Beautification Project - $ 6,300
- South County Ambassador Program - $ 6,000
- Parker Student Engagement Fund - $ 5,000
- Mobile Mini-Makerspace - $ 4,600
- South County Mentoring Program - $ 1,000
- Total - $183,700
