Yavapai College: Changing Lives Education for today’s Jobs
Chris Carizzosa and Elvira Acosta are examples of how Yavapai College ia changing lives in Yavapai County. Both were born in Arizona; both have had a passion from an early age to help people which led them into health care but could not see a way forward because of the cost of a medical degree. Then they both contacted Yavapai College counselors through their school, and both are now on the verge of becoming the first college graduates in their family.
Acosta says, “As a first-generation nursing student, the path hasn’t always been easy. Yavapai College played a huge role in helping me succeed. They provided guidance, developed a clear plan for my education, and supplied me with the necessary resources to stay on track.” Carrizosa agrees and adds that now he especially appreciates them keeping him informed of job fairs with health care openings. If you are ready to change your life, just call (928)717-7777 and ask to speak to a counselor. Yavapai College can help you with a lot of different careers than nursing.
These people show how Yavapai College has changed from the days when a two-year college was for people transferring to a four-year college or for older adults who wanted opportunities such as taking a woodworking or painting class. Another goal now is to provide accessible workforce learning opportunities. Tyler Rumsey, V. P. of Community Relations, explains, “We offer over 100 degrees and certificates, so we’ve got options for everyone whether you want to earn a short-term certificate and go to work right away, or you want to get a two-year degree and then enter the workforce. You can now get your bachelor’s degree with us. You can still take two years here and then transfer onto a four-year university. We really offer opportunities for everyone. We stay connected with the local communities to be sure we teach what is in demand. I think we’re up to over 75% of our academic programs that now lead to living wage jobs. We will help you get to whatever your goal may be. Scholarships and financial aid are available for students and YC offers many discounts to students. YC’s academic and financial aid advisors help students navigate different opportunities to pay for school.”
Yavapai College takes seriously the goal of making education available and affordable. They have worked for several years to move to an online education, which makes it available where and when a person wants it and incorporating material into the online courses often saves students the large cost of textbooks. They have a tutoring learning center and academic advising to help students.
Their goal takes them into things you normally don’t think of for a college. Rumsey points out, “We understand that there are a lot of barriers that people face and, if we’re not helping out with these barriers, how can we expect our students to complete their education?” If addiction is an obstacle, they have support available. Rumsey continues, “One of the major ones that we’ve been tackling over the last year or so has been homelessness. One in five of our students surveyed reported that they were homeless. We help students find and fund housing. Housing is a barrier for students and, honestly, for us attracting employees to work here. The college recently purchased the Prescott Pines Camp and we’re using that to provide affordable housing for our students and employees. Additionally, we’re looking at opportunities for different housing structures on the Verde Valley campus as well as Chino Valley. We have a large food pantry on campus that continues to grow. The need for it within our student population is huge and it continues to get bigger so we’re able to provide our students and their families with food support while they’re getting their education.”
Meanwhile Yavapai College is continually adding to their curriculum. “We launched a business degree in 2000 and in 2023 nursing degree. We are now working on two more. One that’s super exciting we’re calling an optimized Bachelors of Business degree which will take three years instead of four. We are looking at launching a computer science degree this fall pending accreditation,” explains Rumsey.
Last year over 1700 people graduated. Their youngest graduate ever was 15 years old and the oldest was 82. They must be doing something right. If you would like to see what they can do for you, call (928)717-7777 to speak with a counselor. If you are an area school student, ask to speak to the Yavapai College advisors who visit all the schools about the early admissions program which can get you started as early as your freshman year.
I you want more in life, Yavapai College is here for you.
