Puma Early College Program
EARN COLLEGE CREDITS WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL!
This exciting program is designed for motivated high school students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) with good academic and attendance records who wish to get a jump start on college. Students must also possess the readiness for and commitment to rigorous college coursework. While still in high school, students will make progress toward earning their AGEC Certificate or Associate's Degree, typically enrolling in 6-9 credits a semester.
"Puma Early College helped me prepare for the future in ways I could not have imagined. The program helped me connect with not only people my age, but professionals in various industries as well. I am very grateful for the opportunities and connections that PUMA Early College provided me with."
The Puma application period has closed for 2025-2026. We thank you for your interest and the next application window will open again in early fall 2026.
puma program
- Puma Early College Application
- Required Documentation
- U.S. Birth Certificate and Photo ID (current high school photo ID, Arizona State ID, or Arizona Driver’s License/Permit)
OR,
U.S. Passport, Foreign Passport with United States Visa, Permanent Residency. - Unofficial High School Transcript with a minimum of 2.6 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation from a counselor or instructor from your school
- Short Personal Essay
Deadline process: Once your Puma Early College Application is submitted, you have 2 weeks to provide the additional documentation required, otherwise your application status will remain incomplete.
Please email a form of ID described above and unofficial high school transcripts directly to Mary Beltran Ayala (as an attachment) or bring it in person.
PLEASE NOTE: This program does not offer transportation
Priority Deadline: Friday, December 12th
Please connect with our Puma Early College Coordinator if you have any questions:
Mary Beltran Ayala
[email protected]
Office: 602-787-7179
- Earn college and high school credits simultaneously
- Save money on college tuition and textbooks
- Reduce college completion time
- Eliminate duplication of coursework during the freshman year of college
- Scholarship available to those who meet income eligibility requirements
- Paradise Valley Unified School District
- Cave Creek Unified School District
- Deer Valley Unified School District
