Guiding the New Majority: How Rio’s Avanzar Program Supports Today’s Students

In this empowering episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Henry Smith, Title V Program Manager, and Clarice Wziatek, Academic Life Coach, to dive into Rio Salado College’s transformative Avanzar Program. Funded by a $3M Title V grant, the Avanzar Program is on a mission to support the new majority learner — students who are first-generation, working parents, caregivers, or navigating financial and personal challenges. Clarice shares how academic life coaching is redefining student support through tools like Gallup Strengths, the Stanford-designed “Design Your Life” method, and deep, individualized guidance that helps students align their education with real-life goals. Henry reflects on how mentorship changed his own life — and why building relationships rooted in trust, accountability, and empowerment is key to retention and student success. 🎓 This episode is a must-listen for educators, advisors, and anyone who believes in the power of higher education to change lives.