Program experiences an all-time enrollment; double from last year
The Verde Independent in an article written by Bill Helm on June 4, 2017 reported that the Verde Valley “College for Kids” program to be held on the Verde Campus had filled “almost 1200 slots.” As the Blog reported in its May 14 posting (scroll down), “Strong leadership from local Superintendents” and cooperation from Yavapai College has resulted in a complete turn-around of the program. The enrollment this year is double last year.
Principal Heather Wacker, as quoted by Mr. Helm, explained the purpose of the program as follows: “College for Kids allows all kids, K-12, to get excited about attending college at any age. We have worked collaboratively with Yavapai College and Mingus Union High School to build classes K-12 that are fun, intellectually stimulating and engaging. There really is something for everyone.”
There are obviously many individuals to credit with the enormous success of this program but certainly Heather Wacker, assistant principal at Cottonwood Middle School, retiring Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District’s Barbara U’ren and incoming superintendent Steve King were driving forces behind it. Executive Verde Valley Campus Dean James Perey should be recognized for developing the cooperative attitude of Yavapai College toward the project. 
To read much more about the program, please click here to access Mr. Helm’s on-line article.