The Stats
“I realized that community college would be a great option for me because it’s affordable and it’s close.”
About James
An accomplished ballet dancer and musician, James said being immersed in the arts at a young age has helped him succeed in college.
“In dance, they work you really hard,” said James. “So, I’ve learned how to work through physical and mental hardships, which I feel strengthened me a lot."
Three days after graduating from high school, James began a six-week bridge program at Glendale Community College. The program consisted of six to eight-hour days with engineering, leadership and communications classes that helped prepare him for college life.
“That program helped make it an easier transition by helping me to understand more about college and what I’m getting into,” he said.
Funding for James’s schooling came from a Pell Grant and a scholarship from College Success Arizona.
James’s mother is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree. James says the two of them are racing to see who will finish first, which has been a fun experience for both of them.
