Yavapai College serves students and communities throughout Yavapai County, offering more than 100 degrees and certificates that create pathways to meaningful careers, university transfer, and lifelong learning.
Yavapai College was approved by voters in 1966 and broke ground on its first campus in Prescott in 1968. The Verde Valley Campus was also founded in 1968.
Since then, the College has grown to serve communities across the county through campuses, centers, online education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. Yavapai College celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.
Yavapai College's institutional goals align planning, programs, services, and resources around student achievement and long-term community impact.
The Belonging Goal underscores the critical importance of meeting students' basic needs as a foundation for fostering community and inclusivity within the college learning environment. By ensuring that these fundamental needs are met, the initiative creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students can truly feel a strong sense of belonging.
This focus extends to developing and supporting a culture where all employees, including faculty and staff, feel appreciated, engaged, inspired, and supported by their colleagues and the institution. The initiative also offers equitable professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to effectively enhance their abilities to meet student needs.
Ultimately, the Belonging Goal is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being and success of every community member.
The Adult Learners Goal aims to expand enrollment opportunities for non-traditional age learners, particularly those who have some college education but no degree. This goal recognizes the importance of providing educational opportunities for those who may have previously encountered barriers to higher education. Additionally, the goal seeks to increase Hispanic learner enrollment.
YC's strategic initiative to move to 8-week courses and programs helps attract adult learners who desire and appreciate the accelerated pace and flexibility. Overall, the Adult Learners Goal seeks to expand access to higher education and lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse group of learners, with a particular focus on those who may have previously faced barriers to educational attainment.
The Living Wage Jobs Goal addresses the challenges of the changing economic landscape by creating pathways to secure living-wage jobs. This initiative aligns curriculum and programs with the skills needed in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, while creating credit and non-credit options that provide comprehensive training support to job seekers.
The initiative also emphasizes developing baccalaureate degrees that provide students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in high-paying professions. Overall, the Living Wage Jobs Goal gives students and the workforce the education and training necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
The Flexible Delivery Goal enhances educational programs and student success through best-in-class pedagogy and processes. Related initiatives include expanding effective online teaching, offering multiple start dates and fast-track pathways, and providing students with flexible and convenient learning experiences.
The goal also expands the use of Open Educational Resources to reduce textbook and learning-material costs and improves systems for awarding credit for prior learning. Together, these strategies provide high-quality educational programs in ways that support student success and equitable access.
The Foundational Capacity Goal focuses on long-term institutional sustainability and operational strength, ensuring Yavapai College has the people, resources, systems, and infrastructure needed to serve students and communities into the future.
We foster positive relationships and accountability, anticipate and address stakeholders' needs, and create a supportive learning environment.
We encourage creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of new ideas and solutions.
We promote continuous learning and intellectual curiosity through formal education and beyond.
We treat others with dignity and consideration, fostering a supportive and collegial environment.
College leadership, elected board members, employees, and students work together to support Yavapai College's mission and the communities it serves.
The Yavapai College District Governing Board is composed of five elected members representing districts across Yavapai County. The Board meets regularly and makes decisions in support of education, the economy, and the community.
Explore the District Governing BoardThe District Governing Board appointed Doug Berry, Ph.D., as acting president on July 29, 2026. Dr. Berry and the Executive Leadership Team guide the College through collaboration, innovation, and public service.
Meet YC's leadershipCollege Council is YC's participatory governance model for interactive communication and information-sharing among faculty, staff, and students. The Council advises the President on college-wide matters focused on the mission and student success.
Learn about College CouncilExplore the YC location that best supports your academic, career, workforce, or lifelong-learning goals.
YC offers degrees, certificates, transfer pathways, workforce education, and enrichment opportunities for learners at every stage.
Explore areas of studyThe following resources assist students, their families, employees, and interested parties in finding information about Yavapai College. Information is made available in accordance with federal regulations and accreditation requirements.
Yavapai College offers numerous opportunities for lifelong learning through Community Education, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and College for Kids programs.