Eligible adult learners now among those eligible for tuition and fees at no cost

MESA, Arizona -- Aug. 21, 2024 -- The Mesa College Promise program has welcomed its fourth and largest group of students to receive two years of fully funded tuition and fees at Mesa Community College (MCC). The program includes the inaugural group of eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older.

Expansion of the successful program, a public and private partnership launched in 2021 with the City of Mesa, MCC and industry partners, now removes financial barriers for both eligible adult learners and those recently completing a high school level education, allowing many Mesa residents to upskill or reskill with tuition and fees fully covered.

"The Mesa College Promise is a game-changer for our community. By increasing access to higher education, we're not only empowering our residents but also strengthening our local economy and workforce, said Mesa Mayor John Giles. This partnership between Mesa Community College, the City of Mesa and our business community ensures that students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in their careers and contribute to the future of our city."

This year's group includes 320 new students, a 48 percent increase from last year: 263 who recently attained a high school education or equivalent and 57 adult learners who are 24 years of age or older.  Many of the new students, and several recent MCC graduates who received assistance from the program, participated in a Mesa College Promise Welcome event Aug. 17 just before the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the City, local businesses, and individual donors who have made it possible for Mesa residents to pursue their dream of earning a college degree or certificate, said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. The success of our students is at the heart of everything we do. Their achievements elevate our community and extend far beyond, to wherever their aspirations lead them.

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, 201 students in Fall 2022 and approximately 200 Promise students in Fall 2023. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college. 

Mesa College Promise scholars receive wrap-around support services such as free tutoring and academic advising, access to an iPad loan program and a stipend to help cover costs of books, transportation or other educational expenses.

Applications for the Mesa College Promise program will reopen in Spring 2025. 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

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

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.