Meghan Paquette, Director of Early College and Promise Programs at Yavapai College, started working at the Prescott campus in 2015 as an academic advisor, after she and her family moved to the area from New York.

Paquette, who is armed with one bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, is working to secure her PhD in Higher Education, Assessment and Evaluation by the end of this year. She oversees two critical programs at Yavapai College: Early College and High School Partnerships, as well as the Yavapai College Promise Program.

Paquette leads and coordinates Early College and high school partnership initiatives, which include programs like Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment. These are designed to give high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school, helping them begin their post-secondary journey early. High school students take official Yavapai College courses either on their high school campus, at a Yavapai College campus or center, online, or in other community settings and earn college credit that counts toward both their high school diploma and their future degree or certificate.

“The work I do is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to help students see college as possible, attainable, and worthwhile,” Paquette said. “Through Early College, I have the opportunity to meet students where they are and support them in earning college credit early, often changing how they view themselves as learners.”

By expanding Early College programs across the county, Paquette helps Yavapai College increase access and visibility among prospective students early in their academic journeys. The program also helps to grow enrollment, particularly among recent high school students who account for a substantial portion of Yavapai College’s enrollment.

These programs also save students and families money and reduce barriers because these programs allow students to complete significant college credits at minimal or reduced cost. This not only supports individual student success but strengthens Yavapai College’s role as a community partner in education.

The second major element Paquette oversees is the Yavapai College Promise Program, which started in 2019, a last-dollar scholarship initiative that supports students after high school graduation. It provides tuition reimbursement for eligible Yavapai County residents who complete an associate degree at Yavapai College within a specified timeframe, helping make a college degree tuition-free.

“This work serves the college by removing financial barriers to degree completion, which increases student access, retention, and success,” Paquette said. “It also helps in strengthening Yavapai College’s community impact, especially by enabling more students in our county to enter the workforce or continue their education debt-free. For example, the Promise program has already reimbursed a significant amount in tuition and helped hundreds of students graduate without debt.”

Paquette said that the success of the Yavapai College Promise Program has been incredible to see. She’s proud to watch students walk across the stage at graduation knowing that Yavapai College helped them graduate with a tuition-free degree. So far, the program has reimbursed $1.5 million to more than 600 graduates since the program’s inception.

According to Paquette, navigating internal and external partners can be challenging as there are many stakeholders to consider and ensure support as a community partner. But she sees it as a blessing since she gets the opportunity to connect with members of the community and hear from them. She said that it’s important to her to have that connection and ensure the work she does at the college is as impactful as possible for the students and the overall community.

“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work has been the opportunity to engage with high schools and communities across the county, which has deepened my understanding of our students’ needs and strengthened my commitment to college access and success,” Paquette said. “Overall, my time at Yavapai College has reinforced my passion for this institution and the work we do to serve our students and communities.”

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