Wearing a sparkling forest green ball gown, face glitter and a smile that ignited the Commons area of Coconino Community College, Lindsey DeStefano was one of many carefree and enthusiastic young people receiving scholarships and celebrating an exciting next chapter in life. But DeStefano’s story goes much deeper than most of her college peers. Though undetectable on the dance floor, every day DeStefano faces a debilitating injury that happened during U.S. Coast Guard basic training while in … [Read more...] about U.S. Veteran, Single Mom, Amputee Among CCC Scholarship Recipients
coconino community college
Leadership Development as Education
In my own journey, I’ve experienced firsthand how structured leadership development can make a difference. This past year, I had the privilege of participating in the Aspen College Excellence Program as part of their College Presidents Fellowship. Spending time with 24 other community college presidents absolutely helped me to become a better leader. Having the ability to share ideas, discuss challenges and learn what has worked – or hasn’t – for others provided insights I could bring back to … [Read more...] about Leadership Development as Education
Education Means Business in Coconino County
Coconino Community College isn’t just an educational institution – it’s a major part of the county’s economic backbone. The newest economic impact study from Lightcast shows CCC added $71 million to the Coconino County economy in FY 2023-24 and supported 1,049 local jobs, roughly one out of every 89 jobs here. That single-year impact equaled approximately 0.9% of the county’s gross regional product, nearly as large as the entire mining, quarrying and oil and gas sector. How does a community … [Read more...] about Education Means Business in Coconino County
How to Fund Your Business: Lending Programs Available in Flagstaff
The City of Flagstaff Economic Development Department is committed to assisting our local small businesses grow and thrive. Better access to small business lending programs is one way to achieve that objective. Multiple resources are available to small businesses to finance their initial startup costs and future expansion. These include financial resources supported by the U.S. Treasury Department and Arizona Commerce Authority. The Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community … [Read more...] about How to Fund Your Business: Lending Programs Available in Flagstaff
Original Artwork and Culinary Creations Celebrated at Palette to Palate
Janet Yazzie, who hails from a long line of weavers and sheepherders, represents the first generation of her Diné family to bring artwork to shows. At Coconino Community College’s 20th annual Palette to Palate, Yazzie, adorned in traditional turquoise and silver jewelry, was as comfortable painting on display as she was in the warmth of her family’s hogan as a child, surrounded by family and love. Drawing inspiration from her Native roots, Yazzie floods her canvases with vibrant contemporary … [Read more...] about Original Artwork and Culinary Creations Celebrated at Palette to Palate
Education Is Essential to Thriving in High-Cost Communities Like Flagstaff
Flagstaff is one of the most beautiful places in the country – but it’s also one of the most expensive. Skyrocketing housing costs, limited rental availability and an influx of outside investment have made it increasingly difficult for many people, especially young adults and working families, to build a sustainable life here. While there are many necessary conversations to be had about how to reduce the cost of living, we must also talk about the equally critical role of education – especially … [Read more...] about Education Is Essential to Thriving in High-Cost Communities Like Flagstaff
Career, Technical Education: The Lifeblood of Our Communities
As industries adapt to new technologies and shifting workforce demands, building a pipeline of skilled professionals has become essential for business success and economic resilience. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of this development is Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE programs provide the specialized training necessary to build a strong workforce, ensuring that businesses in Northern Arizona have access to skilled professionals in high-demand industries. CTE … [Read more...] about Career, Technical Education: The Lifeblood of Our Communities
Major Expansions in Youth Program Unveiled at UWNA Event
The announcement of a $100,000 grant from The NARBHA Institute to expand youth programs and the promise that graduates of the popular KinderCamp program can earn a degree from Coconino Community College free of charge were the highlights of the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) Annual Campaign and Community Impact Luncheon. “As you know, United Way of Northern Arizona has big, bold goals for our youth and our community,” said UWNA President and CEO Liz Archuleta. “Today, I am proud to … [Read more...] about Major Expansions in Youth Program Unveiled at UWNA Event
CCC and Lowe’s Build Bunk Beds to Help Kids Sleep in Heavenly Peace
More than 1,000 Arizona children may have already crossed off one big item from their holiday wish list: A bed of their own. This after representatives from Coconino Community College, the Lowe’s Foundation, Lowe’s suppliers and the Sleep in Heavenly Peace non-profit organization got together in an incredibly efficient workshop that would have impressed Santa. On a single Monday in October, more than 400 people hammered out 534 bunk beds that Phoenix-area children in need are now sleeping in, … [Read more...] about CCC and Lowe’s Build Bunk Beds to Help Kids Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Lowe’s Foundation Grant to Help CCC Students Develop Skills in Trades
Construction. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning. Electrical. Plumbing. Flagstaff and Coconino County are struggling with the same issues facing the country: Not enough skilled workers are replacing the current workforce retiring out of their professions, not to mention the growth of the area, increasing the overall demand for skilled workers in the trades. Thanks to a $750,000 grant from the Lowe’s Foundation, CCC is aiming to help address that shortage by muscling up its skilled training … [Read more...] about Lowe’s Foundation Grant to Help CCC Students Develop Skills in Trades
