Education

Students on the campus of Arizona Western College

Yuma area education has taken many large strides in the past few decades.  On top of being one of the fastest growing counties in Arizona, our residents have understood the need to build thorough education opportunities for the children, and for the adults looking to further their education. 

Yuma boasts nine school districts, serving about 38,000 children.  Once high school is completed, students can then join the workforce or continue their education locally at Arizona Western College. 

Early childhood education is vital to the Yuma communities

In 2014, Yuma County voters approved a JTED (Joint Technical Education District) for our area, which was renamed  STEDY: Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma.  STEDY provides career and technical education (CTE) or “vocational” programs.  CTE is real-world job training and leadership development.  Whether students intend to join the work force immediately after high school or go to college, CTE teaches skills to prepare them for life after high school.  

These programs are for high school students at both public, private and charter schools, home-schooled, currently earning a GED or students under 22 years of age in Yuma County.  CTE classes are approved by the Arizona Board of Education and can count for high school credit, college credit or industry certificates. 

Click here to go to STEDY's website

Science and other education expos expand our youths' learning experience.

Arizona Western College has been assisting Yuma County residents in furthering education since the 1960s.  Today, AWC is a thriving campus where students can earn industry certifications and Associate Degrees through the college.  In addition, AWC graduates can earn advanced degrees and take classes through Yuma campuses for Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. 

Yuma County residents can earn almost any degree without having to move far from home.