AWC empowers first generation students

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Open to all students, Arizona Western College's TRIO Keys program and College Assistance Migrant Program joined forces to empower and connect first generation students with professionals.

"The biggest challenge that I have seen working over the years of working with first gen students is that they don't know what questions to ask so they don't ask them," said Michelle Thomas, Director of the TRIO programs.

Thomas says AWC has a lot of first generation students, and the symposium aims to connect them with valuable resources. 

"But, you gotta be able to manage that money once you get it, so you know how to save it, how to invest it, you know how to make the money work for you, so financial literary coach Eric Smith is here," said Thomas.

For students, like Anjuly Gomez, the financial advice provided is crucial for their growth and success.

Gomez said, "Our community, especially college students are developing through the financial world, as we are entering into this level of adulthood. So managing our money and planning on how we spend our money to learn how to be better at that...financially and stable."

This opportunity is giving student access to information that was once out of their reach.

"Honestly, its very helpful, cause well personally, I grew up in a community where my parents didn't know anything about this. Nobody teaches you, and as a first generation student, it's very difficult because there is nobody supporting you in that way," said Gomez.

Thomas assures that AWC's first generation students are welcomed and their struggles are understood.