Agricultural Mentorship Academy
The Agricultural Mentorship Academy at Arizona Western College strengthens the regional agricultural workforce by providing underrepresented students with industry-aligned training, hands-on experience, and mentorship in sustainable agriculture. Leveraging close partnerships with Yuma County’s high-tech agricultural sector, the program offers portable credentials, career pathways, and opportunities for students to pursue PCA and CCA certification with minimal debt. By integrating enhanced teaching practices, experiential learning, and ongoing CEU opportunities, the Agricultural Mentorship Academy builds a full-circle pipeline from student training to professional advancement in the agricultural industry.
What Ag Mentorship Academy Offers
As an Ag Mentorship Academy Scholar, you’ll gain access to opportunities that will help shape your future in agriculture, including:
Mentorship
You will be matched with an industry mentor, someone who has experience in the agricultural field and can guide you as you plan your future. Your mentor is someone you can ask questions, seek advice from, and learn what it’s really like to work in agriculture.
Workforce Development
All Ag Mentorship Academy Scholars and their mentors meet once a month. These academies give you the chance to build connections, learn from professionals, and gain skills that support both your academic success and career development.
Industry Tours
Visit local agricultural businesses and see what happens behind the scenes. These tours help you understand how different areas of the industry operate and show you real workplace environments.
Why Join Ag Mentorship Academy?
Being part of Ag Mentorship Academy helps you:
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Explore different career paths in agriculture
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Build meaningful connections with mentors and employers
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Gain practical insights and personalized guidance
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Strengthen your confidence in planning your future
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Earn a scholarship by completing all program requirements
If you want to grow your skills, expand your network, and discover where a career in agriculture can take you, the Ag Mentorship Academy program is a great place to begin!
How to Join
Requirements to join:
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Be a student at AWC or a dual-enrolled high school student
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Be majoring in the agricultural field
Questions? Email Ailyn Gomez Ray.
For Industry Partners
Ag Mentorship Academy is committed to expanding agricultural education, career training, and workforce development in our region. Each year, we support a small cohort of 12 dedicated AWC students who are passionate about building a future in agriculture.
Our Industry Partners are essential to this mission. Your involvement exposes students to real pathways in the field, inspires them to continue pursuing their education in agriculture, and connects them with professionals who care about their success. This program would not be possible without you!
Partner with Ag Mentorship Academy
There are three meaningful ways to volunteer as an Industry Partner:
Industry Mentor:
Mentors are paired with an Ag Mentorship Academy Scholar and serve as guides throughout the academic year. Mentors and Scholars attend monthly Mentorship Academies (group meetings featuring guest speakers, peer sharing, and professional development discussions) and one-on-one monthly check-ins.
Time commitment:
- 1–1.5 hours monthly (Mentorship Academy)
- Monthly check-in with mentee (typically at your workplace)
Guest Speaker:
Share your expertise, career journey, and opportunities within your company during a Mentorship Academy session at AWC.
Time commitment:
- One 15–30 minute presentation
- Preparation time as needed
Industry Tour:
Open your workplace for a visit from our students. These tours offer real-world exposure to agricultural careers and help students imagine themselves as part of your team after graduation.
Time commitment:
- 1–2 hours
- Preparation time as needed
Interested in partnering with Ag Mentorship Academy?
Submit our short interest form to get started.
Questions? Email Ailyn Gomez Ray.