ASU Changing Futures®: ASU Local

Change the future with ASU Local

Local

Education isn’t a “one-sizefits-all” endeavor.

The conventional model of leaving home for four years to take up residence and study full-time on a college campus doesn’t work for everyone. From financial constraints to family obligations to deep community commitments, many students cannot – or choose not to – leave home. Arizona State University recognizes this reality and brings a global research university experience to them through ASU Local.

ASU Local is embedded in communities across six sites in Arizona, California, Hawaii and Washington, D.C., In each location, online classes taught by ASU professors are paired with weekly, in-person coaching and student support to offer students a flexible, costeffective degree.

This educational innovation ensures students don’t have to leave their roots for school and can instead grow and contribute precisely where they’re planted. But it’s not just about bringing college to students’ hometowns, it’s about serving the very communities where they’re living, working, raising families and dreaming up futures.

By carefully aligning academic offerings with local job markets, ASU Local’s more than 160 majors are launching pads to meaningful careers that directly impact the local community. ASU Local sites work with local partners to support pipelines into the workforce from some of our most popular majors.

“We’re part of the larger conversations to increase bachelor attainment, which means more jobs and more students really contributing to the economy,” says Elizabeth Vasquez, senior director of ASU Local programming and operations. “They care about staying locally and contributing here.”

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.

“To me, ASU Local means a new chance.

ASU understands that life is not linear, and because of that, I’ve been able to have all the opportunities that the university has been able to offer me.

I’ve been able to keep on track with my career, and on top of that, I’m able to intern and I’m also able to work.”

— Kiana ASU Local student

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Rewriting the narrative of opportunity

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.

ASU Local primarily serves students from diverse educational backgrounds and those with financial needs, offering not only a degree but a comprehensive support ecosystem to bridge aspiration and achievement — shaping students’ trajectory through crucial relationships and mentorships.

Dedicated success coaches provide one-on-one support, guiding students through academics, financial aid and career planning. Meetings with a small peer cohort foster community and belonging, while career development opportunities ensure students gain realworld experience to apply their skills with confidence.

ASU Local isn’t just an educational program; it’s a beacon of hope, both for students and for their communities. “At the core of this, we have students who just want to be here,” says Vasquez, “They want to be rooted, and we built that rapport and relationship right in their community.”

Through Changing Futures®, we’ll ensure that education is not only accessible but empowering. Your support makes it possible for those who have been overlooked by higher education to become catalysts for local economic growth and transformation in the communities they call home.

ASU Local create powerful impact for students, their families and their communities.

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.

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—Gigi ASU Local student

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A nationally ranked degree, a highly local experience ASU Local sites are rooted in the communities we serve, in places that are personally and culturally important to our students. Each is uniquely designed to reflect and amplify the authentic character of its neighborhood, and nurture grassroots transformation from within.

Chula Vista, CA: Embedded on the campus of Southwestern College in beautiful Chula Vista, located just 7.5 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, ASU Local – Chula Vista offers a bachelor’s degree completion option for students who have earned an associate’s degree.

Los Angeles, CA: The inaugural ASU Local site, located in the ASU California Center in the historic Herald Examiner building in downtown Los Angeles, ASU Local – Los Angeles offers first-year and transfer students a pathway to earn highly ranked bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Long Beach, CA: Located on the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts campus with deep ties to California’s technology, education and business communities, ASU Local – Long Beach is designed for students who have completed a significant portion of their college coursework.

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.

Washington, D.C.: In collaboration with CityWorks DC, a nonprofit advancing access-centered innovations in education, ASU Local – Washington, D.C. brings students face-to-face with D.C. insiders at ASU’s Barrett & O’Connor Center.

West Hawai‘i: With a focus on environmental and cultural sustainability, ASU Local – West Hawai‘i brings high-quality bachelor’s degree options to students through a partnership with Kamehameha Schools.

Yuma, AZ: In the “winter vegetable capital of the world,” ASU Local – Yuma is located on Arizona Western College’s Yuma campus, welcoming transfer students who have completed two years of college. The city is leading the way for smart agriculture innovation, drawing from and investing in local talent to optimize farming, water quality and more.

“ASU Local is so much more than just doing online classes and completing your degree. They want to help you network, build resumes, meet professionals in the area…

They’re trying to change the way that college works.”

ASU Local isn’t one-size-fits-all; each site is tailored to meet the needs and opportunities of the local community.

— Elliot ASU Local student

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Support ASU Local and shape a better future

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.

Through Changing Futures, we’ll expand support for our rapidly growing local sites so we can serve more students for whom education wouldn’t otherwise be an option. Your support also allows us to explore scaling ASU Local to new sites — changing lives and communities around the country.

When we expand access to education, we change futures. Join us.

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About Us ASU’s Learning Enterprise expands universal access to opportunity for learners – at every stage in life. We’re reimagining the role of universities in society as catalysts of economic and social mobility, guided by the belief that all learners can harness education as a ladder of opportunity. Our programs meet learners wherever they are, removing the barriers while prioritizing belonging and support. Through ASU’s Learning Enterprise, it’s easy to get started on your learning journey – and there’s no limit to where you can go.

ASU Charter ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

asuchangingfutures.org

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CHANGING FUTURES | FROM ARIZONA. FOR THE WORLD.