By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rio Salado College was recognized this spring nationally for its commitment to civic engagement, earning the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge's 2026 Highly Established Action Plan Seal.
The designation places Rio among 167 colleges and universities recognized for developing comprehensive, nonpartisan strategies that encourage student participation in civic life and the democratic process.
The recognition is awarded to campuses leading the way with innovative approaches to increasing nonpartisan civic engagement and student voter participation.
"Being civically engaged requires skills and time," said Kate Packer, program director for Student Affairs. "That's why Rio Salado focuses on nonpartisan opportunities that allow students to engage in small but meaningful ways while strengthening their communities and developing as scholars, professionals and citizens."
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge works with colleges and universities across the country to foster civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on an ongoing basis, both during and between election cycles.
Through its action plan, Rio Salado College offers a variety of opportunities for students to develop civic leadership skills and become active participants in their communities.
- Democracy Fellowship - a student leadership program that empowers college students to increase civic engagement, voter education, and democratic participation among their peers through nonpartisan outreach and advocacy.
- College events and field trips - through a variety of college events and educational field trips, students, staff, and community members gained firsthand knowledge about ballot measures, the history and impact of constitutional amendments, effective advocacy strategies, and the importance of informed civic engagement and active participation in democracy.
- Civic Leadership Medallion – Eligible part-time and full-time students can earn the Chancellor's Civic Leadership Medallion by completing civic leadership activities and accumulating 100 points.
- Student Public Policy Forum – An academic program that explores how public policy is developed at the local, state and national levels and how citizens can participate in the process.
- Constitution and Citizenship Day – An annual observance featuring activities and events that promote understanding of the U.S. Constitution.
- Voting Information and Registration – Year-round efforts that provide students with voter registration resources and information about upcoming elections.
"Our civic engagement action plan was shaped by student feedback, national best practices and the unique needs of an online college," Packer said. "The result was a step-by-step, practical, nonpartisan approach that helped students engage meaningfully while balancing the demands of work, family and school. Civic engagement is most effective when it is accessible and sustainable."
Prior Recognitions
The latest recognition builds on a growing list of honors acknowledging Rio Salado's efforts to promote civic learning and student engagement:
- 2022 – Earned a Silver Seal from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement at Tufts University for campus voting rates
- 2024 – Named an ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
- 2024- 2025 – Students Jacquea Yarbrough, Rocio Arciniega, Marielena Aguirre Foster, Lucero Arciniega, Angelo Lopez, and Mario Bradshaw were selected as Democracy Fellows through a partnership with the Campus Vote Project
- 2025 - Saffron Wells is recognized as a National Student Voter Honor Roll recipient and is featured in Forbes.
- 2025 - Angelo Lopez is named the Arizona Distinguished Democracy Fellow
- 2025- 2026 – Students Marielena Aguirre Foster, Lucero Arciniega, Goldine Johnson-Pompey, Daniel Ybarra, Andres Zarate, and Ajay Kumar were selected as Democracy Fellows through a partnership with the Campus Vote Project
- 2025- 2026 – Designated a Voter Friendly Campus
- 2026 - Marielena Aguirre Foster is recognized as a National Student Voter Honor Roll recipient
"Rio Salado is continually evaluating our civic engagement efforts with a goal that our students understand the issues affecting their communities and actively participate in shaping solutions," Packer said. "Students who are engaged in their communities are more likely to develop leadership skills, critical thinking abilities and a sense of belonging."
Students interested in civic engagement opportunities can participate in programs and activities throughout the year that promote leadership development, community involvement and informed participation in civic life.