Pima College Access Network

Congratulations to Richard from Tucson Magnet High School! Richard was among 100 attendees from local high schools who joined our 30th Teen Town Hall. As a thank you for sharing valuable insights on topics affecting young people and the community, those admitted to a post-secondary program entered a raffle for two scholarships! ?? Richard is considering a journey in a nursing program at Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University, but might stay close to home at the University of Arizona! ???? Thank you to Vantage West Credit Union for partnering in this occasion, and thank you to Keysha Webb and Jon Bruflat for representing!

Congratulations to Diana from Pueblo High School! Diana was among 100 attendees from local high schools who joined our 30th Teen Town Hall. As a thank you for sharing valuable insights on topics affecting young people and the community, those admitted to a post-secondary program entered a raffle for two scholarships! ?? Diana is excited to kickstart her engineering journey! Thank you to Education Forward Arizona for partnering in this occasion, and thank you to Melinda Gomez, Community Impact Manager for representing!

Yesterday we had the incredible privilege welcoming 100 high school students and educators to our 30th Teen Town Hall, presented by Vantage West Credit Union! From high schools across Pima County, students engaged with officials, agencies, and colleges, and joined dialogue circles on issues that are impacting them and could shape their futures—Mental Health, Substance Misuse, Climate Change and Educational Inequity and Access. ????? Thank you to Education Forward Arizona for the supporting investment in this occasion, and to all the elected officials, community agencies, college and universities, volunteers, and fellows, that took part in this day. ???? More on the event from us: https://lnkd.in/g6v2Wezr An in depth look at the day from Tucson Spotlight: https://lnkd.in/gYAbwrTy

With just over two weeks away, the Pima College Access Network couldn't be more excited to welcome over 90 high school seniors to the 30th Teen Town Hall, Presented by Vantage West Credit Union at the Pima County Historical Courthouse. We've got a sweet line up on the topic of public service – to be joined by Adelita Grijalva, Nancy Gutierrez, Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, Tom Murphy, and Kevin Dahl – with numerous community organizations and colleges and universities also joining us to share the resources and pathways available to rising young leaders. A special thank you to Vantage West Credit Union, Education Forward Arizona, and the Office of Pima County Supervisor Sylvia Lee, for their investment and partnership in this occasion!

I’m excited to announce a new partnership between Pima College Access Network and Tucson Young Professionals! ?? Together, we’re offering 40 early career K-12 educators the opportunity to connect with young professionals across various fields and grow as leaders in both education and our broader Tucson community. This initiative will also provide a forthcoming K-12 Educator Mentorship program, leadership development, and access to networks to support our educators as they inspire future generations. ?? Thank you to Pima County and City of Tucson, whom through its investment in the Metro Education Commission, has made this initiative possible! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gw__XR3H

Last Friday, the Pima College Access Network had the funnest time taking 52 students and counselors from across Pima County — including our Peer Coaches — up to the annual FAFSA and College Readiness Symposium! ?? There we gathered to learn and strategize our support for students as they navigate FAFSA and the college-going process this academic year. ?? While there, our Peer Coaches toured Arizona State University, visited a classroom, and met other Peer Coaches under the Arizona Board of Regents program in neighboring schools.?? They are the funnest crowd!

A special welcome to our next cohort of high school seniors into the Peer Coach Program! These students are stepping up to provide essential support in college and career readiness, including admissions and financial aid applications, helping their peers prepare for post-secondary journeys. The program's support has made a substantial impact and we're excited for its continued success this year! ?? https://lnkd.in/gSNDvTGB

Time flies when you're having fun! So, I'm behind on sharing that the Metropolitan Education Commission presented ten recipients with its 34th annual Crystal Apple Awards. Starting during teach appreciation week through June, these awards were presented to unsuspecting individuals, programs and organizations in the Tucson metro area and greater Pima County for their dedication to fostering a thriving educational environment. ?? Congratulations to this year's recipients! Linda Arzoumanian, Lifetime Advocate of the Year Silvie Mwibeleca, Youth of the Year Maura McKechnie, Teacher of the Year Stephanie Arnold, Counselor of the Year Vantage West Credit Union, Student Serving Financial Institution of the Year Symara Duarte, Outstanding College Advocate Aliyah Ravenell, Outstanding Student Leader Literacy Connects, Outstanding Service to Community SARSEF, Outstanding Service to Community University of Arizona Project Outreach FAMILIA, Outstanding Community Partner This years awards were presented where they may goto school, work, or dine, but prior to the pandemic, this occasion was an annual celebration bringing together a cross-section of the community to recognize their peers, colleagues, and fellow community members. In Spring 2025, the Crystal Apple Awards will make its return as a large evening event recognizing both the 2024 and 2025 recipients. ?? Read about the recipients! ↘ https://lnkd.in/dPJPZvuJ

The Pima, Tucson Teen Town Hall not only empowers young people to articulate their challenges and ideas but also provides select students the opportunity to use these insights, informed by their peers, in their advocacy at the capitol. Their capability of orchestrating this is a testament to the power of their voices and the potential of youth-led advocacy in shaping a better future for all. I’m excited to see this grow! https://lnkd.in/gudH_C_G

Last Thursday, the Metropolitan Education Commission Youth Advisory Council had its annual visit to the Arizona State Capitol, with a special introduction to Governor Katie Hobbs. ?? In addition to calling attention to the challenges posed by the new FAFSA and the limited resources available to Pima County in helping learners navigate the process, the group shared insights from our recent 29th Annual Teen Town Hall, where brilliant students from schools across Pima County engaged deeply on topics crucial to their futures. ?? Key needs shared included: ? Enhancing mental health resources in schools ? Strengthening substance abuse education and prevention ? Expanding access to college and career navigation support ? Cultivating civic engagement and participation among young people I'm incredibly thankful for our informative introductions to Governor Katie Hobbs, House Representative Mariana Sandoval (LD-23), and Robbie Sherwood, Communications Director for the Arizona House of Democrats, whose attentive listening, valuable insights, and commitment to considering young perspectives have deeply enriched their advocacy journey's. ?? A huge thank you to Marisol Flores-Aguirre and Patrick Robles for making this an extra special visit, Caryn Paye for jumping in and making our day worthwhile, and Mark Hanna and Dr. Treya Allen for lending your expertise and joining the journey! #YouthEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #EducationReform #ArizonaEducation #ServantLeaders #FAFSA