AWC Foundation Scholarship Applications Open Through April 1 for 2026 Academic Year

Arizona Western College nursing student Mialexa Renteria Ponce described the moment she learned she had received scholarship funding in plain, precise terms: "It was amazing. I felt happy, I felt relieved. It made me very excited for the new chapter in my life."

With the AWC Foundation's scholarship application for the 2026-2027 academic year open now through April 1, the college is pushing to reach more students who carry similar stories into their applications. The Foundation has opened the new scholarship application period for the 2026-2027 academic year, and students like Renteria Ponce are making an effort, transforming their stories into unique scholarship essays.

The AWC Foundation cycle closes on April 1. Students can visit the Foundation's website or contact the Foundation office directly to start an application and connect with a mentor to guide them through the process. For questions, the Foundation can be reached at foundation@azwestern.edu or (928) 344-1720.

For first-generation students in particular, the stakes extend beyond tuition. For many, a scholarship is more than just financial aid: it can be a powerful message that their personal stories have value.

Yuma County students have access to associate's and bachelor's degrees through Arizona Western College and its partnerships with Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Some scholarships are transferable to NAU-Yuma, UA-Yuma, or ASU-Yuma.

Alongside the scholarship application push, AWC is also seeking community donations to support the annual La Cosecha banquet, which recognizes graduates preparing to transfer to a four-year university. La Cosecha, meaning "The Harvest," gathers honorees with their families, college officials, staff, and community guests at the Schoening Conference Center in the 3C Building of the AWC Yuma Campus. This year's celebration takes place Thursday, May 14, with registration beginning at 5:45 p.m. and the dinner and program starting at 6:30 p.m.

To be celebrated at La Cosecha, graduates must be pursuing a transfer degree and meet at least one of the following criteria: first generation (neither parent holds a bachelor's degree from the U.S.), relied on financial aid to complete a degree, students with a disability, or experienced unusual or extenuating circumstances during degree completion such as illness, loss of income, or death in the family.

Last year, AWC awarded 10 scholarships at the celebration. This year, the college hopes to expand those opportunities through increased community participation. Martha Cordova, Director of the AWC Transfer Center, framed the event's mission directly: "Through the generosity of our community, La Cosecha transforms perseverance into possibility, turning dreams of transfer into degrees earned."

Five students are selected each year to share their stories as featured speakers at the event, and all honored graduates receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative sash. Donations to support La Cosecha scholarships can be made at foundation.azwestern.edu/give-online by selecting "La Cosecha Scholarship" from the drop-down menu.

The April 1 deadline for the broader AWC Foundation scholarship cycle applies to the full range of awards administered through the Foundation. Students are notified of their award by the end of May through their Toro email, providing time to plan financial aid payment options.