Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) November 17, 2015
The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (The Commission) presented the Pathways to Postsecondary Education Awards on Friday, November 13 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. The awards recognized successful college access programs across the state that assist students and families as they prepare for, transition to and succeed in postsecondary education. Arizona college access and success programs are dedicated to improving the quality and quantity, of support that underrepresented students receive as they prepare for, transition into and participate in college.
Nationwide only 8.3 percent of students from low-income families complete a four-year college degree by age 24, compared to 73 percent of students from high-income families. When students are provided with specialized early awareness information, pre-college advising on admissions and financial aid and mentoring, college entrance and completion rates rise dramatically.
“It is our mission to give every Arizonan the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education,” said April Osborn, Executive Director at the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education. “The Pathways to Postsecondary Education Awards demonstrate the community’s appreciation for the programs that are also committed to this mission and excel in preparing, transitioning and supporting students toward postsecondary education completion.”
Pathway award winners are divided into six categories with multiple winners in a few of the categories. The following programs took home top honors - K-12: Alhambra High School “Believe and Achieve” Summer School Program; Higher Education: AZTransfer and Gaucho101; Community: Northbridge College Success Program and STEP – Student Expedition Program; Business: Game Changers Teen Leadership Program; Champion Award: Chris Coffman Founder/Program Coordinator for Helping Hands for Single Moms and finally, Arizona State University was presented the Integrated Impact Award for their comprehensive and integrated approach to student support provided through their Educational Outreach and Student Services (EOSS).
More than 125 were in attendance, including Chairman of the House Government and Higher Education Committee Representative Bob Thorpe, to celebrate these exceptional programs and professionals and their important role.
To learn more about the Pathways to Education Awards and the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education please call 602-528-2435 or visit http://www.highered.az.gov