1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Takes Proactive Approach To Help Students Obtain Access To A College Education

by: Christy Skeen

At a time when people are tightening family budgets, many colleges are being forced to raise tuition to offset their own budget shortfalls. However, Phoenix College is taking a proactive approach in helping students obtain access to a college education when current economic trends may discourage them from doing so.

Higher education and job training are even more important in tough economic times when job security is more tenuous. Phoenix College is encouraging its current and future students to stay focused on their goals by offering scholarship workshops, a booklet of approximately 150 local scholarships, a glossy brochure on paying for college, and a campus event entitled College Goal Sunday.

"If it is a college education that students want, we are making every possible effort to allow them an opportunity to achieve their goals, said Frank Luna, Director of the College’s Office of Alumni and Development. "Students hear the phrase, ‘the money is out there – you just have to find it,’ everyday. Well, we’re not just telling them that help is out there…we are putting it directly into their hands."

Phoenix College Tribal Court Advocacy student and scholarship recipient, Candita Woodis-Rucker is a prime example of what happens when students take advantage of scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Receiving 12 of the 13 scholarships she has applied for, Woodis-Rucker encourages her fellow classmates to take advantage of the opportunities out there. With her awards ranging from the Ford Corporate Scholarship to the Navajo Nation Tribal Court Advocacy Fellowship, Woodis-Rucker has accumulated enough money to help fund her college education at Phoenix College and two years at a university.

"The money is out there," she said. "Anybody can get a scholarship, they just have to be dedicated and apply for it. They must also be willing to fill out the necessary paperwork and applications."

This week, Phoenix College will release the 2003-2004 Scholarship Booklet, an easy-to-read, informative document containing approximately 150 local scholarships. The college has had similar publications before; however, this is the first year that so many scholarships have been packaged into one book. The scholarships do not cater to just the 3.0 GPA student audience; the book literally contains something for everyone ranging from $100 to $10,000. Students will have access to copies throughout campus and on-line. This book is being distributed to local high schools as well.

The Phoenix College community also provides ongoing free scholarship workshops. These workshops which are open to all students, help them develop a "winning" scholarship application package. Students get the most up-to-date information on scholarship resources and receive tips on how to prepare a strong application, including tips on writing a personal essay. The next two workshops are scheduled for Jan. 29 and 30.

In addition to internal practices, Phoenix College prides itself on bringing outside opportunities onto campus. The college will host one of 21 statewide College Goal Sunday events, a one-stop shop for helpful information on financial aid, scholarships and more. In addition to registering for scholarships, students have access to financial assistance information for federal and state aid, work-study programs and scholarship money.

Also, high school seniors will receive a glossy tri-fold brochure from the Phoenix College Recruitment Office summarizing the myriad of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to them, along with helpful hints and timelines for applying.

When financial resources seem too slim when pursuing a college degree, Phoenix College officials are making it quite clear to students that help is available.

Education plays such a vital role in the stability and success of this state; therefore, Phoenix College is making every effort possible to allow students the opportunity to pursue a pathway toward a college degree.