TIM DIESCH 01 JUNE 2023
Starting June 1, 2023, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of free certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant.
The REDC has secured funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.
To learn more and apply, go online to ycredc.com.
In September 2022, Arizona received a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The grant is part of the DOL’s QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program, and it was awarded to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with six Arizona community colleges, including Yavapai College.
Arizona’s statewide QUEST efforts will form a direct pipeline for workers in the industries of Healthcare, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing.
The REDC has pathways for qualified individuals to:
Take advantage of wraparound student support to make the process of earning certifications more attainable.
Earn industry-recognized certifications through Yavapai College.
Earn industry-recognized certifications through Coursera.
The grant is applicable to those who:
Have been temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster.
Have been unemployed long-term.
Are considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).
The courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking a well-paying career in the IT field, with programs related to data engineering, analytics, cyber security, software development and engineering, digital sales, marketing, and more, with average annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
The REDC at Yavapai College is a resource center dedicated to building strong communities and increasing opportunities for local residents through economic development.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
You may also view the press release by clicking here.
Dozens of Yavapai College graduates soon will be filling the ranks of registered nurses and radiologic technologists in healthcare centers locally and wherever their hero careers take them.
The 45 future nurses and 12 future “rad techs” successfully completed their coursework to earn Associate of Applied Science degrees. The YC graduates, who also must complete required licensing exams, were feted at separate pinning ceremonies earlier this month at the YC Prescott Campus.
At the “rad tech” ceremony on May 5, student speaker Ty Schroeder said the 2023 cohort overcame individual and group struggles to learn, grow and succeed together. “We as a cohort cannot wait to take what we’ve learned and experienced and use it to elevate the industry,” he said.
Like many of her fellow graduates, Kara Yazzie benefited from scholarships during a career-training journey she launched in 2007. Speaking at the rad-tech pinning ceremony on behalf of fellow scholarship recipients she said the Community Healthcare Scholarship “fueled my personal fire to do the best I possibly could.”
Her appreciation for the scholarship increased during clinicals when she was able to ease an anxious patient by speaking to him in Navajo. “I felt completely honored to have helped this elderly man on this day, and throughout the remainder of the program this instance would replay in my head, and I cannot help but think that if it was not for the Community Healthcare Scholarship donors, I would not have been in the position to help my people.”
YC’s spring nurse pinning ceremony took place on the birthday of nursing’s founder, Florence Nightingale, May 12. After receiving their pin from a loved one, nursing graduates light candles and recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge – a promise to be devoted to the welfare of others.
Ceremony speakers acknowledged the fortitude and sacrifices demanded of those who choose nursing careers while reminding them that their future success will require more than knowledge and skill.
“… What will make you wildly successful in this role and in life is being a good human,” YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine told the graduates. “Your character and integrity will take you places your talent cannot… Good humans and great nurses live their lives with integrity and grace, conduct their lives with purpose and give their best effort,” Rhine said.
In her remarks, YC Nursing Professor Maria Thomas encouraged graduates to continue learning, practicing resilience, and believing in themselves as they transition from student to professional.
“You will be challenged, and you will stumble or fall at some point… When that happens, resilience is how well you bounce back.” Thomas said, adding, “Who you are has value. Don’t forget that… Never forget that you are capable, determined, perseverant, unique, and amazing.”
Following is an alphabetical listing of the spring 2023 YC Nursing Program graduates:
Elizabeth Adame, Sirena Alvarez, Matthew Arvo, Cassandra Bailey, Ashley Bauer, Yadira Bautista-Burgos, Tanner Beaman, Victoria Burns, Lorena Camargo, Diana Cardoza, Rebecca Casper, Brendan Cassidy, Will Cooper, Rhyann Davies, Michelle Diaz, Staci Fowler, Sarah Friesen, Cheyene Gabbard, Sandra Hauptman, Jill Hernandez, Erika Jourdier, Julianna Kamholz, Tyler Kirkeeng, Sarah Kramer, Destiney Lewis, Maria Mansky, Natalie Martinez, Sierra McDonald, Abigail Mendoza Pina, Lee Neiman, Guadalupe Ocampo, Megan Palmer, Carrie Parker, Shaena Ramirez, Alex Reeves, Alexa Rodriguez, Patricia Sanchez, Ashleigh Thompson, Andrea Torres, Gina Tury, Ryan Wagner, Tyler Weatherly, Nicole Welker, Tori Winsberg, Kenzie Yarbrough.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the spring 2023 YC Radiologic Technology graduates:
Jonathon Cronin, Rachael Guidetti, Emily Harcus, Trevor Henkiel, Amanda Hoff-Felix, Lindsey Jones, Uriah Richards, McKayla Schilling, Ty Schroeder, Sara Tippett, Madison Ward, Kara Yazzie.
You may read the Community College press release with photos by clicking here.
Yavapai Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine stated at the District Governing Board and Tax and Budget hearing on May 16 that there will be no reduction in faculty positions on the Verde Valley Campus. This was in response to the discussion at the April Governing Board meeting where Vice President Ewell presented a table and Board member Ray Sigafoos initially interpreted it as “dropping ten positions in the Verde Valley.”
After listening to the video clip, the Blog interpreted brief discussion as involving a reduction of ten faculty on the Verde Campus. Dr. Rhine says that interpretation is not correct.
Click here to view and hear Dr. Rhine’s statement at the May 16 Governing Board meeting. https://app.screencast.com/SZMjRnVuZTwym
Click here to view and hear the exchange at the April Governing Board meeting regarding lower head count and “positions” plus Mr. Sigafoos’ initial interpretation of the table. https://app.screencast.com/0F38VlSGNr3yi
You can see the confusion that was caused by the table, which is reproduced below. The table was presented by the College to the Governing Board at the April 2023 meeting and used by Vice President Clint Ewell. Note the use of words such as “positions,” and phrases such as “lower heard count.” Also note that the Verde Valley is specifically identified on the table by red arrows.
Dr. Rhine did not offer any data at the May 16 meeting showing the current number of part-time and full-time faculty now on the Verde Campus. The Blog has asked for that information.
Both members of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board who together represent Sedona and the Verde Valley voted to approve the requested five percent tax rate increase on primary property in Yavapai County at the Governing Board meeting May 16. Chair Deb McCasland also voted to approve the $101 million budget. Newly appointed District three representative Toby Payne did not oppose the capital budget but abstained.
Ms. McCasland represents District 2, which encompasses about half of her constituents and includes the following: Aqua Fria, Beaver Creek, Camp Verde 1 and 2, Canyon, Cherry Creek, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Crown King, Humboldt, Mayer, Middle Verde, Montezuma, Prescott Country Club, Stoneridge, Sugarloaf and Verde Lakes.
Mr. Payne represents District 3, which encompasses the following: Big Park, Bridgeport 1 and 2, Clarkdale, Clemenceau, Coffee Pot, Cottonwood, Fir, Jacks Canyon, Jerome 1 and 2, Mingus, Orchard, Quail Springs, Red Rock 1 and 2, Red Rock East, Red Rock West, Verde Village, Western, and Wild Horse. All his constitutes live in Sedona/Verde Valley.
Ms. McCasland explained her vote in favor of the tax increase, which explanation you can hear and see by clicking here.
Ms. McCasland’s vote was needed in order to pass the budget, which passed 3-1-1. She explained her vote in favor of the budget, which explanation you can hear and see by clicking here.
Mr. Payne explained his vote in favor of the tax increase, which explanation you can hear and see by clicking here.
Mr. Payne did not object to the capital budget but abstained. You can see and hear Mr. Payne’s statement for abstaining by clicking here.