Community Partners

The AWC Foundation has benefitted from a long-standing relationship with APS.  APS has supported the AWC Veterans Programs, Thursdays at the Theater, the Etiquette Luncheon, AWC San Luis Science and CNA lab, and our signature fundraiser, Schoolhouse Soiree.  

AWC San Luis Science Center 
APS has supported the AWC San Luis Science Center. The 1,200 square-foot lab classroom will provide students with the opportunity to earn up to a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Computer Informatics completely from San Luis starting Fall 2022. Currently, students must travel to the Yuma Campus to fulfill science lab requirements for the program. The new lab will also allow AWC to offer a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in San Luis as the facility will include space for showers, storage, and laundry. The APS grant supported the purchase of stethoscopes, digital scales, thermometers, manikins, and wheelchairs. 

Allied Health & Nursing Division 
APS grant supported Project 360 REVEAL which increases the ability of AWC professors to effectively transfer STEM content knowledge to students through SWIVL technology, providing real-time, engaging, visually enhanced, audio learning. This grant equipped three classrooms/labs with SWIVL technology to strengthen virtual learning by providing 360-degree Real-time, Engaging, Visually Enhanced, Audio Learning for students by adapting and safely extending real-time virtual instruction to accommodate students attending courses remotely. While stationed on the Yuma Main campus, the SWIVL technology outreach will provide virtual STEM instruction to students on all AWC campuses. 

AWC Student Etiquette Luncheon 
APS has supported the AWC Student Etiquette Luncheon introduces students to a professional dining experience while teaching them about important business etiquette principles. This is accomplished in a setting that provides students the opportunity to network with local community leaders.   

AWC Foundation Schoolhouse Soiree 
APS supported the AWC Foundation Schoolhouse Soiree. This signature event commemorates Yuma and La Paz community members who make a difference in education, generous donors, and students who have earned scholarships.  

Yuma attorney Candy Camarena, an AWC alumni and AWC Hall of Fame Inductee, has been instrumental in the development of the La Cosecha The Harvest event since 1998 when he volunteered his resources to pay for the banquet. His support the past 24 years has provided graduates with an experience they will encounter in their professional lives. The event is intended to recognize AWC graduates transferring to a four-year university in the presence of their families, college officials, staff, and community guests. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education in hopes they will return to the community as professionals and serve as a catalyst for others to do the same. 

In March of 2023, Candy Camarena informed me that this would be his last year as the title sponsor.  However, he had already secured his successor. This is Jimmy Esparza. Jimmy is the CEO of Renewable Power USA, an energy consultant, and community leader. He started his career at Solar City and later founded his own company that has grown exponentially nationwide. He's dedicated to educating people about renewable energy and helping them become self-sufficient. His efforts have been recognized by Forbes, Wealth Insider, and INC 5000, he's leading the Solar Revolution in renewable energies, and his Office headquarters are located in Yuma, Arizona. He is honored to take up the sponsorship mantle of “La Cosecha” Scholarship Banquet.