MESA, Ariz. – September 15, 2025 – The Mesa College Promise program has welcomed its fifth and largest group of students to receive two years of fully funded tuition and fees at Mesa Community College (MCC). For the second consecutive year, the program includes eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older.

Launched in 2021 as a public-private partnership between the City of Mesa, MCC and industry partners, the Mesa College Promise removes financial barriers for both recent high school graduates and eligible adult learners. The program is helping more Mesa residents upskill, reskill and advance their careers with tuition and fees fully covered.

This year’s group includes 358 new students. Of those, 297 recently completed high school or an equivalent, while 61 are adult learners who are 24 years of age or older. Mesa College Promise has awarded a record $322,990 to 502 new and continuing students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“The Mesa College Promise is making a real difference in our community,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “With this year’s significant increase in new students, more residents are taking advantage of higher education opportunities. Partnerships between Mesa Community College, the City of Mesa and local businesses give students the tools to succeed and help build a stronger workforce for our City’s future.”

Mesa College Promise received an additional boost with two new electronic billboards along the U.S. 60 freeway near the Southern and Dobson MCC campus. The billboards are expected to raise $400,000 annually for the program.

“The Mesa College Promise Program represents the value of and commitment to partnership that occurs when two entities unite to support education to benefit our community,” said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. “By removing financial barriers, we are helping more students achieve their dreams. Each student’s success has a generational impact strengthening families, inspiring others and building a lasting legacy of opportunity.”

Last year, 57 of the students participating in the Mesa College Promise program were adult learners. Among them was Dani Watchman, who is now attending Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public policy and public law and eventually apply to attend law school.

“It was tremendous since I didn’t have to worry financially about how to pay for tuition or be put on payment plans. It was such a relief going to school and just focusing on my classes,” said Watchman. “I’m really happy I was able to have this stepping stone into a better life, not just for myself but for my daughter and husband.”

As one of the first Promise Programs in Arizona, Mesa College Promise began in Fall 2021 with 88 students. Enrollment has steadily expanded each year: 201 students in Fall 2022, 216 in Fall 2023, 320 in Fall 2024, and now 502 in Fall 2025. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college.

Mesa College Promise scholars receive wrap-around support, including free tutoring and academic advising, access to an iPad loan program and a $250 stipend each semester for two years to help cover costs of books, transportation or other educational expenses.

Applications for the Mesa College Promise program will reopen in Spring 2026. Learn more at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.

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Contacts:
City of Mesa: Kevin Christopher, 480-644-4699, kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
MCC: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

About the City of Mesa: With a population of more than 523,000, Mesa, Arizona, is the 37th largest city in the United States and the second largest in the Phoenix-Mesa metro area. Mesa encompasses 138 square miles inside a 21-city region with a population of 5.1 million people and is projected to grow to 5.4 million by 2029. 

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, 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.