Cesar Soberanes, 19, had big plans to attend Arizona State University. Then, the pandemic and finances forced him to abruptly change course. Soberanes is not alone in his pandemic-related frustration as a young Latino with college ambitions. Administrators are now trying to reengage and reconnect with students who left during the pandemic, while providing additional supports to keep the ones they have.

When fall classes start at the University of Arizona this month, first-year student Natalie Robinson will already know where to find her classes, the library, tutoring help and even free food. That’s because Robinson, who moved to Tucson from Nashville, Tennessee, this summer, was one of 206 students who got a guided preview of college life through a long-running program called New Start.

Students who qualify can apply to save on child care.

In June, Northern Arizona University unveiled a campuswide initiative designed to expand access to higher education and prioritize equity at the Hispanic-serving institution. In this interview, NAU's José Luis Cruz Rivera shares details of the Elevating Excellence program, how it was launched in just eight months, and what other colleges can do to move more quickly to help disadvantaged students.

When Pima Community College in Arizona rolled out its first “Fast Track” programs in October 2021, allowing students to earn a stackable micro-credential that would lead to a high-paying job in as little as 12 weeks, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Innovation Ian Roark wasn’t surprised that the programs generated a lot of interest from the community. 

The University of Arizona has a native student population of three percent. A program at the university has been helping build the bridge from high school to college and other opportunities for success.