Cochise Newsroom

For 261 young people in Cochise County, a $20 summer camp offered much more than a few activities to fill the school break. 

 

It gave them a chance to step inside college classrooms, learn from knowledgeable instructors and explore their interests in automotive technology, culinary arts, science, art or other career fields.

 

All 15 Cochise College summer camps reached capacity in 2026, setting a participation record for serving more students than in previous years.

 

The growth reflects the fact that summer camps are more than recreational activities. They are affordable, hands-on introductions to college programs and careers that students might not otherwise have an opportunity to explore.

 

Community support helped make that access possible. The Cochise College Foundation supported the summer camps in Sierra Vista, while the Arizona Community Foundation of Cochise helped fund the camps in Douglas. The contributions helped reduce the registration cost to $20 per camp, making the experience more affordable for families in the current economy.

 

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Cochise College Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation of Cochise," said Brenda Kurtz, director of Early College Programs. "This community investment allowed students to have meaningful learning experiences and, just as importantly, begin to see themselves on a college campus."

 

The funding also allowed Cochise College to bring the camps to more students in both communities. 

 

Throughout the summer, campers explored programs in automotive technology, culinary arts, ceramics and science and technology. Rather than simply listening to presentations, students learned by doing.

 

They participated in a working mercantile experience, published their own coloring books, created musical instruments from clay, explored how communities are powered, practiced culinary techniques and learned the basics of game design. Those activities were only a few of the experiences offered.

 

The camps connected learning with real programs available at Cochise College. They also allowed students to discover interests and abilities they may not have recognized before entering a classroom, laboratory or workshop. Some campers left with a renewed interest in pursuing one of the programs they explored.

Kurtz said the camps helped students become more aware of the educational and career opportunities available in their community.

 

"When students can picture themselves here, college and career goals begin to feel more achievable," she said. "As they continue exploring their futures, Early College Programs can help connect them with the resources and support they need to make their dreams a reality."

 

Feedback collected during the 2026 season shows how the experience shaped their perception of Cochise College. One camper described the college as "a good college" that can "jump-start your future."

 

Another student offered a simple explanation for considering the college: "It gives so much opportunity."

 

A third camper wrote, "It seems like a great college that would have great people."

 

Those responses point to an impact that extends beyond a single summer. During the four years Cochise College Early College Programs has operated the camps, an average of 40% of participants have gone on to pursue programs at the college. Some have completed college certificates and industry certifications. That percentage is expected to increase as younger campers become old enough to enroll in college classes.

 

The college's summer camps help students become comfortable in a college environment before they must make decisions about education or careers. Students meet instructors, use college equipment and see firsthand how classroom lessons connect to real occupations.

 

For some, the experience may be their first opportunity to see college as a place where they can thrive and pursue their goals. That early exposure matters. A student who enters a camp because of an interest in cars, science or video games may leave understanding that those interests can become college programs, professional skills and meaningful careers.

 

The record participation in 2026 demonstrates the demand for accessible summer learning opportunities in Cochise County. It also shows what can happen when a college, its foundation and community partners work together to remove financial barriers.

 

For families, the contributions made an affordable summer experience possible. For students, they created opportunities to experiment, learn and build confidence.

For the community, the investment helps develop the next generation of skilled workers, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists and college graduates.

 

What looks like a $20 summer camp today becomes the first step in a student's educational journey.

 

For more information about Early College Programs, visit www.cochise.edu.