Arizona runs on people, and Maricopa Community Colleges is in the people business. The 10-college system is breaking down barriers and making higher education 100% accessible for every learner. Maricopa Community Colleges provides inclusive pathways to support each student’s individual journey. For students with disabilities, the colleges serve as an entry point to new opportunities, offering small class sizes, flexible learning options, personalized instruction, and dedicated resources and support services to help every student succeed.
Amy Bockerstette is a trailblazer, advocate, and role model who is redefining what’s possible for individuals with disabilities. Her journey is one of firsts, triumphs, and of how one person’s determination opens doors for others.
Breaking Boundaries
In the spring of 2018, Amy made history when she signed a letter of intent to play women’s golf at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). She became the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college and compete in the NJCAA Women’s Golf Championship.
“The disability resources office helped me to find classes where I could be successful,” Amy shared. One of her favorite classes was Strategies for College Success.
PVCC went above and beyond to accommodate Amy’s disabilities. Working with the college’s Disability Resources and Services Office, Amy was able to take a smaller course load. PVCC staff members also assisted Amy in selecting classes that fit her schedule and that she could succeed in. Additionally, Amy’s mother, Jenny Bockerstette, was allowed to serve as a paraprofessional in some of her classes, assisting in note-taking and interpreting lectures.
“I can tell you that her four years at PVCC were very successful academically from our point of view, and she loved, loved, loved her classes,” added Joe Bockerstette, Amy’s father and golf caddy.
A Mantra Becomes a Foundation
Three powerful words of encouragement define Amy’s journey: I got this. Inspired by this mantra, the I GOT THIS® Foundation was launched on Amy’s 21st birthday, with the mission of giving individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to learn to play golf.
The idea for the foundation took root after Amy’s unforgettable moment at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Dream Day, where she made par alongside pro golfer Gary Woodland. A few months after this event, the Bockerstettes were approached by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf to create a golf academy.
Today, Amy serves as an ambassador for the foundation, advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities, speaking at charity and corporate events, and giving media interviews. She also works part-time and continues to compete in golf tournaments. Recently, Amy was honored as one of the 2026 Forbes 30 Arizonans Under 30.
Opening the Doors for Others
Amy’s success at PVCC—as an athletic scholarship recipient, national championship golfer, college graduate, and now a disabilities advocate—continues to open doors for others with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
A stronger Arizona starts with Maricopa Community Colleges. Find out how we’re making college work for every Arizonan here.