Student speaker, Norma Martinez
Rio Salado College’s Avondale location held an event December 13 to celebrate 15 years of offering adult education and student services to the community.
“This 12,170- square-foot facility opened in 2008 as a $3.9 million investment funded by a 2004 voter-approved bond to fulfill a high demand for adult education in the West Valley,” said Rio Salado President Kate Smith.
“This building began hosting classes the day after it opened its doors in February 2008 and thanks to the passion and service of Rio Salado employees, it continues to serve as a welcoming and inspiring space for adult learners.”
During the event, student Norma Martinez shared her experience at Avondale as a student and how it helped her support her family during a time of struggle and depression. After fighting through a cancer diagnosis in 2019, the pandemic in 2020 and her husband’s death in early 2021, she knew it was time to make a change.
“I now needed to provide for my family and find a good job,” she said. “After applying at several places and not getting any phone calls I felt it was because I didn’t have my (high school diploma).”
In August 2021, she started her GED preparation classes to earn her High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma. Her children wouldn’t let her quit.
“I pushed through and didn’t give up. I finally achieved my HSE diploma in seven months,” she said.
She also completed a medical administrative assisting certificate and other career recognized credentials. Martinez was also hired by the Avondale location as a Rio employee.
“Rio Salado Avondale has truly been therapy for me,” she said. “If you’re suffering from depression I hope my story will help you pursue your education and career goals. I assure you you can do it.”
RSC Avondale hosts in- person classes for English language learners and GED® Test Prep students who want to earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma. Classes are offered both day and night to accommodate working adults.
In addition, students have access to career training opportunities and high school equivalency pathways including the Adults Achieving a College Education program.
HSE graduate Robin Gonzales reflected on his time as a student at RSC Avondale.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Rio Salado! Their locations are easily available all throughout town! Plus the staff is so awesome!”
Since its grand opening in 2008, RSC Avondale has achieved several milestones:
- 9,400+ High School Equivalency and English language students
- 3,227 students served annually by the Testing Center
RSC Avondale forged partnerships with several organizations for its program pathways the past decade, including the Arizona Department of Education, ARIZONA@WORK, the Department of Economic Security, Chicanos Por La Causa, Opportunities for Youth, Dress for Success, Year Up, and several other Maricopa Community Colleges.
Through career training pathways at RSC Avondale, students can earn industry-recognized credentials and training in applied technology, nanotechnology, business, management and entrepreneurialism, computer and information technology, and medical administrative assisting.
Rio Salado College Avondale is located at 420 N. Central Ave., Avondale, AZ 85323.
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