PHX Reporter

As the 2024 elections approach, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) announced its recent achievements in student voter engagement. PVCC earned top honors in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which promotes nonpartisan democratic participation at colleges and universities. PVCC was recognized for its efforts in fostering student voting during the 2022 midterms, receiving the Best in Class for Most Improved Voting Rate at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and the 2022 Arizona Campus Voting Challenge Most Improved Voting Rate: Community College awards.

"PVCC is committed to empowering our students to engage in the democratic process," said President Dr. Jana Schwartz. "Our recognition in the ALL IN challenge reflects the dedication of our community to nonpartisan voter participation."

Data was collected and measured by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) at Tufts University, which noted the second-highest student voter turnout in a midterm election since NSLVE began tracking this data.

Additionally, PVCC was awarded a Silver Seal from ALL IN for its impressive 2022 voting rate. Having previously earned the Silver Seal Award in 2020 for achieving a student voter turnout of 60-70 percent, PVCC’s 2022 Silver Seal reflects the college’s continued commitment to civic engagement, including hosting a county vote center and organizing student-led voter registration drives.

“Our president strongly supports these efforts, led by passionate student leaders who are dedicated to encouraging their peers to register and vote. Many students come to campus eager to make a difference, and they are succeeding in that mission,” said Mike Ho, student services manager. “Since 2019, 12 PVCC students have received the Chancellor's Medallion for Civic Engagement, including four in 2024, the most of any college in the district. This award is a reflection of the good work that's happening in and outside the classroom,” Ho added.

In 2020, over 1,060 institutions enrolling more than 10 million students participated in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, working to elevate student voter engagement and democratic involvement. The challenge recognizes more than 500 campuses for their leadership in student voter engagement.

“The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses. Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.