MESA, Arizona -- Jan. 31, 2025 -- Mesa Community College President Richard Daniel, Ph.D., announced more scholarship opportunities through the Mesa College Promise program during Meta’s Mesa Data Center grand opening celebration on Jan. 30. The $225,000 contribution from Meta will go toward scholarships for Mesa residents pursuing STEM certificates and degrees and provide Promise participants with support to cover the cost of tuition and fees.

“Meta’s generous contribution supports Mesa College Promise’s vital role in connecting Mesa residents with pathways to higher education and better job prospects. Promise’s recent expansion from high school to include adult learners accelerates building the workforce of tomorrow,” said MCC President Dr. Daniel.”

Meta’s commitment will support Mesa residents participating in the Mesa College Promise, a partnership between the City of Mesa and MCC. The renowned higher education program funds the cost of college tuition and more for participants. This grant brings Meta’s total support of the Mesa College Promise program to $300,000.

“We are proud to be active members of the Mesa community, which includes investing in local organizations that have a positive impact,” said David Williams, community development regional manager for Meta’s Mesa Data Center. “Mesa Community College and the Mesa College Promise program provide tremendous support for residents looking to further their education, and we’re excited to see this next wave of STEM advancement in the East Valley.”

The Fall 2024 Mesa College Promise program welcomed its fourth and largest group of students including the inaugural group of eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older. One of the first Promise Programs in the state, Mesa College Promise welcomed the first group of 88 students to MCC in the Fall 2021 semester. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college. The Fall 2024 group included 320 new students a 48 percent increase from the previous year 263 who recently attained a high school education or equivalent and 57 adult learners.

“We are honored and grateful to have Meta join the collaborative effort to fuel growth and prosperity of our community through education,” said President Daniel. “Together we are moving toward the Achieve60 statewide attainment goal that at least 60% of all Arizona adults have a high-value workforce certification or college degree by 2030.”

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

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 over 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. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

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

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA 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.