MOHAVE COUNTY – In early March, most high school seniors are focused on the countdown to getting their diploma. Tucker Glass is, too, and he’s also on track to graduate from college while building a professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning career.
He’s a Mohave College Early College student and senior at Arizona Connections Academy, and he’s on track to earn a college HVAC certificate. The training has already helped him land a part-time job in the field, giving him a head start on a career that’s in demand across the region.
Through a partnership between the College and the Western Arizona Vocational Education District, WAVE, Glass is able to take tuition-free college classes while still in high school. Tuition is covered for eligible students at participating high schools and through partner programs.
Instead of waiting until after high school graduation to get started, he’s building real-world skills now and stepping into the workforce with experience on his resume.
“I decided to join the Early College program to get a head start on my career and save on expenses that would come after high school. I also knew it would make my high school classes easier because college credits would count toward electives,” he said.
His mother, Tammi Glass, said she values the program because it allows her son to get ahead in education and his future career.
“I appreciate that he has access to this Early College program in high school because it gives him a jump start on college courses which allows him to finish high school with college certifications. I’m really proud of the effort he’s put into complete both programs,” she said.
Tucker said he chose HVAC because he enjoys hands-on work. In the Mohave College program, he’s learned new techniques and already applied them in real-world scenarios. He said the college instructors helped him a lot, including balancing classes with his part-time job.
He said that flexibility is key to juggling high school, college and a part-time job at Mercury Air Conditioning & Heating. He focuses on college classes in the evening, work during day and since his high school work is all online, he’s able to study and finish those assignments anytime.
His ultimate career goal is to continue in the HVAC field and gain more experience in order to support his volunteer work with his local church.
He is a first-generation college student, which means he’s the first in his family to attend a college or university. He’s lived in Lake Havasu City for nearly four years, and in his spare time enjoys playing video games, cooking, baking and watching movies.
To learn more about the Early College program, visit Mohave.edu/Early-College. Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now open, so sign up for classes before they fill up. Create a student account at FutureBighorn.com. Anyone looking for more information about the enrollment process should reach out to the Admissions team, their contact information is available at Mohave.edu/Admission.
About Mohave College
Since 1971, Mohave College has been transforming lives by helping students earn degrees and certificates that lead to better careers and brighter futures. Most alumni stay right here in Mohave County, strengthening the local workforce, fueling economic growth, and giving back to the communities they call home. The College delivers an estimated $199 million annual economic impact to the region and supports over 3,000 jobs in industries ranging from healthcare to the arts. Alumni contribute $158 million each year in additional income to local communities, and 96% of graduates say Mohave prepared them well for their careers or further education. Whether you’re starting your journey or advancing your skills, Mohave College is here to help you own your future. Learn more at Mohave.edu/ImprovingLives.
Tucker Glass is a senior at Arizona Connections Academy and a Mohave College student through the Early College program. He has already earned a certificate in HVAC all before graduating high school.