The Peer Coach Program is empowering seniors to provide critical support in areas such as college and financial aid applications

Tucson, AZ — As the future of Arizona's workforce increasingly relies on higher education and specialized training, Pima County and the City of Tucson are ramping up efforts to address the growing challenges in college and career readiness. Through the Pima College Access Network of the Metro Education Commission, a collaborative body representing local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, the Peer Coach Program is empowering high school seniors to provide critical support in areas such as FAFSA completion, college applications, and career preparation.

Managed in partnership with Arizona Serve of Prescott College, the Peer Coach Program is a transformative initiative aimed at equipping high school seniors in Tucson and the greater Pima County area to assist their peers. As AmeriCorps members, these peer coaches are integrated into counseling teams across select schools within the Tucson Unified, Sunnyside Unified, and Vail School Districts, as well as in private institutions. The program specifically focuses on supporting underserved minority populations. Upon completing their service, peer coaches earn an education award to further their post-secondary pursuits and a Certificate in Civic Leadership.

This initiative comes at a critical juncture. According to the U.S. Department of Education, by May 1 of the 2023-2024 school year, Pima County experienced a 21.7% decline in FAFSA submissions and a 23.8% drop in completions compared to the previous year. This reduction translates to 1,117 fewer submissions and 1,133 fewer completions by College Decision Day.

The urgency of addressing these trends is underscored by a recent article in the Arizona Daily Star, which highlighted the importance of higher education for Arizona's economic future. The article referenced a poll conducted by Education Forward Arizona, revealing that Arizonans believe more should be done by state leaders to increase enrollment in post-secondary education.

Aligning with the state's Achieve60AZ goal, which aims for 60% of Arizona's adult population aged 25-64 to hold a certificate, license, or degree, the Peer Coach Program is making significant strides locally toward this objective.

"The Peer Coach Program directly addresses this mandate by reducing barriers to higher education and workforce training, ensuring that more students can pursue the academic or professional paths that interest them," said Rocque Perez, Executive Director of MEC.

Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, peer coaches dedicated over 6,300 hours to service, directly engaging 1,959 individuals through one-on-one advising, family consultations, and workshops. This comprehensive support helped students navigate the complex processes of college admissions and financial aid, with college advising highlighted in approximately 85% of all sessions and FAFSA completion in about 60%. Additionally, the program supported over 40 college and career events, significantly contributing to the readiness and future success of Pima County’s students.

The program not only supports the workload of school counselors, who often face overwhelming demands, but also ensures that peer coaches receive the support they need for their own post-secondary journeys. By working directly with students, peer coaches play a vital role in improving college access and career readiness, thereby contributing to the educational and economic advancement of their communities.

Through ongoing investments in college and career readiness, Pima County and Tucson demonstrate a strong commitment to the long-term prosperity of the region.

#

Contact Rocque Perez Executive Director Pima College Access Network rocque@pimacollegenetwork.org