MESA, Arizona – Feb. 26, 2026 – Eleven Mesa Community College (MCC) students were selected to receive the Ball Foundation Skilled Trades Scholarship, in partnership with the SkillPointe Foundation. This national award recognizes students committed to pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing.

“The Ball Foundation Skilled Trades SkillPointe Scholarship provides $2,500 for tuition, fees, supplies, computer equipment and other education-related expenses,” said Tasha Rose, SkillPointe Foundation director of national engagement. “With more than $3 million in scholarships available, we’re committed to reducing financial barriers and helping students achieve careers in the skilled trades.”

The scholarship recipients are enrolled in MCC Automated Industrial Technology, Welding or Manufacturing Production Technology programs.

Automated Industrial Technology: Ara Mae Docabo, Kourtney Johnson, Sihui Li, Brayan Vargas Mendoza, Chelsea Stevens and Hao Yang are focused on industrial automation and systems.

Welding:  Delvan Gonzales and Angie Stewart are training for careers in fabrication and metalworking.

Manufacturing Production Technology: John Felty, Christopher Lafer and Jared Weimer are preparing for roles in production, quality and manufacturing operations. Weimer is also pursuing Engineering coursework. 

“I really love this environment…the fact that you can make creations with different kinds of processes, it

can look beautiful,” said welding student Angie Stewart, a recipient of the Ball Foundation Skilled Trades Scholarship. Stewart said it was her counselor who encouraged her to apply, adding the scholarship will help her purchase new tools. As for the future, Stewart hopes to work in the aerospace field or maybe underwater welding to build oil rigs.

MCC’s nationally recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are developed in partnership with industry leaders, providing students with industry-specific education and technical training that prepares them for today’s workforce. 

“Industry partnerships and scholarships are essential to preparing students for careers in manufacturing,” said Cesar Becerra, Ed.D., MCC Career Engagement/Industry Connection and Student Services manager. “We are thankful to the Ball Foundation and SkillPointe Foundation for recognizing MCC students and supporting their educational journeys.”

Visit mesacc.edu/programs/cte to learn more about MCC Career and Technical Education programs. For information about scholarships, visit mesacc.edu/financial-aid.

# # #

Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.