The Yavapai College District Governing Board has approved a resolution for the College to purchase land in Prescott, formerly known as Prescott Pines Camp. The decision was made at the Board’s business meeting on Tuesday, April 23.
The College intends to close on the property next month.
The primary purpose of the acquisition is to allow Yavapai College to address student and employee housing needs. In addition, it offers YC the ability to enhance educational and co-curricular activities through camps, retreats, and experiences.
“Yavapai College is facing the same hard reality as every other major employer, public service entity, municipality, first responder, healthcare and school district organization. The opportunity for affordable or attainable housing isn’t currently realistic for our students or for talented employees looking to move here,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College.
The 42-acre property has space for 110 students plus 12 RV sites with full hookups, and 12 single-family homes for employees. It offers many existing amenities, with 66 buildings total on the property, including two cafeterias and an activity center, among others.
It also features its own well and wastewater recycling system, so it will not impact the surrounding communities’ water supply.
For the past several years, the College, at the direction of the District Governing Board, has been looking to find creative housing solutions. Housing options have been a longstanding part of the college’s facilities master plan and strategic plan.
“As a board, we fully understand the critical need for student and employee housing, and we have tasked the College with identifying solutions. When this property became available, and the College performed its due diligence, it was evident that this was a fiscally responsible solution to a major problem,” said Deb McCasland, Chair of the Yavapai College District Governing Board.
In 2020, pre-pandemic, the College conducted a housing assessment that recommended 74 additional beds in the Prescott area. Since then, YC has added four more athletic teams and two bachelor's degrees, with more likely on the way. Every fall, the residence halls on the Prescott Campus operate with a waitlist of around 30 students, and the halls operate at 96% capacity, which is where they have to be kept in case of an emergency need.
Additionally, a recent Hope Survey concluded that 50% of YC students are housing insecure, and a staggering 20% of our students are homeless.
Yavapai College has explored and implemented many creative solutions to housing needs, including an RV Park in the Verde Valley, which is full to capacity, plans for tiny homes in Chino Valley, and created initiatives, such as iShelter+, to combat the housing and basic needs barriers for students.
“As an institution of higher learning, we have an obligation to meet our students where they are and help them get out of poverty. But we cannot do this unless we are willing to help them while they are in poverty,” said Dr. Rhine.
Yavapai College expects to have the property ready for some student housing beginning in the fall 2024 semester, with additional infrastructure changes occurring over the next 18-24 months.
For updates on the property, including a video tour and quick facts, visit www.yc.edu/pines.
For more information on the Yavapai College District Governing Board, visit www.yc.edu/dgb.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
