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aid forms, applied for grants and scholarships; and met with an academic advisor to enroll in fall semester courses. Students choosing to attend a school other than Yavapai College were also provided registration assistance. For those students enrolling at YC, a strong peer-support system was created through participation in numerous extracurricular enrichment activities.
“The Lead program eliminated my nervousness about starting college,” said Lead student Elizabeth Craig, who is now enrolled as a freshman at Yavapai College. “It taught me how to prioritize things in my life and know my resources like financial aid, tutoring, the learning center, library and more. The Lead program has given me resources I'm sure I will utilize while I'm here at Yavapai College.”
Early College Coordinator, Heather Mulcaire, orients Lead program students on their first day.
Cynthia Gardner is taking what she learned as a Lead student into her first year at YC. “I learned a lot about what to really expect in college,” she told us. “I’m not afraid of the work load from the classes anymore, or worried about getting lost. I’ve met several people that genuinely want all of us to succeed and will help us do so. The Lead program helped me become more confident and learn to believe in myself. The program really prepared me for
the fall.”
Yavapai College Coordinator of Student Engagement and Activities Jeremy Poehnert was inspired by the Lead students he worked with over the summer. “The Lead program met a very real need in the community. There are students that need more individualized support, and the opportunity to focus on their education and career goals. The program focused on connecting students to campus resources, and giving them a jumpstart on their college experience. The students brought a rich range
of experiences to the program. A number of them have overcome tremendous obstacles to even graduate high school, and demonstrated remarkable character and resilience. I found their strength and determination inspiring.”
These inspirational stories are tempered only by the fact that the Yavapai College Foundation is not able to provide scholarship help for all those who apply, whether as a Lead student or otherwise. “We were thrilled to be able
to support this year’s Lead students,” said YCF Executive Director Steve Walker. “Maintaining the program
will require Yavapai College and YCF to seek ongoing community support for Lead’s operational costs, as well as for scholarships so that Lead graduates can pursue their academic goals at Yavapai College.”
The larger picture is that the YC Foundation is able to provide scholarship help for only about half of the students who apply each year. The Foundation’s “Closing the Gap” scholarship fund for deserving Yavapai County students was created to maximize the number of students that the Foundation can help.
If you’d like to be part of the “Closing the Gap” effort to help deserving Yavapai County students, call Paul Kirchgraber, 928-717-7333.
www.yc.edu/ycf • Fall 2015 5
Summer 2015 Lead Students
The Lead program taught me how to think critically and how to utilize student study groups. It’s is a great tool for preparing
for college. I’m now studying to become a paramedic and have a job at the Verde campus Answer Center.
–Fernando Diaz
The Lead program eliminated my nervousness about starting college. It taught me how
to prioritize things in my life and know my resources like financial aid, tutoring, the learning center, library and more.
–Elizabeth Craig
Every day of the program was amazing. I was able to develop a plan for the fall semester that will help me achieve my career goals. I couldn’t have done it without this program.
–Jasper Hornberger
It was phenomenal. The First Year Experience classes definitely helped take away the nerves I felt about starting college. I’m sure the Lead will help students be successful in college for many years to come.
–MeKayla Brady
This experience had a major impact on
my college life. I've had the opportunity to experience college life by staying in the dorms. I now have new friends and have discovered new opportunities. This program changed my views about starting college and has helped give me a successful start.
–Elisa LeBlanc