Prescott, Arizona — Yavapai College has been awarded a competitive federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant that will help transform student success efforts across the college through the launch of the Yavapai Experience, a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen academic achievement, improve retention and graduation rates, and better prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce. The grant award is for $2,755,924 over a five-year period starting on Oct. 1, 2026. 

“The SIP grant will help us provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Yavapai College Acting President Dr. Doug Berry. “The Yavapai Experience helps students find their footing, navigate college with confidence, and stay on track toward their goals. We want every student to feel supported, know where to turn for help, and have the opportunity to succeed.” 

The five-year grant will expand access to academic support, advising, tutoring, financial literacy education, career exploration, and artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting part-time and Pell-eligible students. 

The initiative responds to institutional data showing growing financial need among students and the importance of stronger early intervention strategies to help students persist and complete their educational goals. 

At the center of the effort is the Yavapai Experience, a coordinated, first-year framework that will connect students to key support services from the moment they begin their college journey. Students will benefit from enhanced onboarding, academic success programming, financial aid and FAFSA guidance, expanded tutoring, academic coaching, and career-connected advising designed to build confidence, momentum, and a stronger sense of belonging. 

A distinctive feature of the project is its commitment to AI literacy and workforce readiness. Through the grant, students will have access to AI-focused learning opportunities aimed at helping them understand how to use emerging technologies responsibly and effectively in academic, professional, and everyday settings. 

The initiative will also make significant investments in faculty and staff development. Professional learning opportunities will help instructors, advisors, and student-support professionals explore the responsible use of AI in education, student engagement, advising, and academic support. This training will ensure employees are equipped to guide students in the ethical and effective use of emerging technologies while enhancing teaching and learning practices across the institution. 

"This grant positions Yavapai College at the intersection of student success and innovation," Yavapai College Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Tania Sheldahl said. "The Yavapai Experience will provide students with stronger, more intentional support throughout their educational journey while also helping them develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.” 

“At the same time, we are investing in our faculty and staff so they can confidently integrate new technologies into learning and student support in ways that are thoughtful, effective, and student-centered." 

Additional grant-funded initiatives include expanded embedded tutoring in gateway English and mathematics courses, increased access to evening and weekend academic support services, broader use of technology-enabled student support tools, and stronger connections between academic planning and career goals. 

The college expects these efforts to improve course success, increase persistence and graduation rates, reduce achievement gaps, and create lasting improvements in how students experience and navigate college. 

The project reflects Yavapai College's ongoing commitment to student achievement, innovation, and workforce development while ensuring that students across the college's large rural service area have access to the tools, support, and technological skills needed for long-term success. 

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.

Yavapai College Newsroom

1100 E. Sheldon St.
Prescott, AZ  86301
E-Mail: comms@yc.edu
Website: yc.edu/news