About the RCAC
What is the Regional College Access Center?
The Regional College Access Center (RCAC) is a partnership between the Metropolitan Education Commission, City of Tucson, Pima County, Tohono
Prepare for college: Increase awareness of college and career preparation opportunities provided by public and private elementary, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, and community programs available throughout Pima County.
Pay for college: Provide information on federal and state financial aid and a listing of scholarships offered by local and national organizations.
Graduate from college: Increase awareness of college and university transition and on-campus support programs designed to help students adjust to the first year in college, receive academic and social support, and guide students toward college graduation.
Develop workforce skills: Facilitate the access to career preparation resources, and promote the development of a highly qualified, diverse workforce.
In service of this mission, members of the RCAC work together to address the barriers related to higher education and workforce development. The College Center serves as a coordinating and referral agency providing information on college and career preparation, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
AmeriCorps Peer Coaches
RCAC Peer Coach Program
In partnership with AmeriCorps Arizona Serve of Prescott College, the RCAC hosts the Peer Coach Program. Up to 25 high school seniors from across Tucson and Pima County provide college and career support to their peers. This includes assisting their peers with completing the FAFSA, filling out college applications, applying for scholarships, exploring career options, and more.
Peer Coaches complete 300 hours of AmeriCorps National Service over the course of their senior year. Upon completion of their hours, coaches receieve an education award to put towards their post-secondary pursuits.
They work closely with the RCAC Program Coordinator and Arizona Serve staff to receive training in civic leadership, professional development, and financial literacy.
Over the years, Peer College Coaches have applied for and received thousands of dollars in financial aid grants and scholarships to help them and their peers pay for college.
If your school would like to host Peer Coaches during the 2023-2024, contact RCAC Program Coordinator Chelsea Forer at [email protected]
Current Peer Coach School Sites
Sunnyside High School
Desert View High School
Rincon High School
Sabino High School
Sahuaro High School
Tucson High Magnet School
Empire High School
Tanque Verde High School
St. Augustine Catholic High School