MESA, Ariz. – Feb. 10, 2026 – Mesa Community College Journalism and New Media Studies program has partnered with the A-Mark Foundation and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation to award an inaugural A-Mark Student Journalism Award, a $5,000 grant for a graduating student journalist who works with The Mesa Legend, the college’s student-run newspaper.

The A-Mark Student Journalism Award is intended to be an annual grant presented to one student at each participating community college. The program, established in 2025, is currently administered by 10 community colleges nationwide and is expected to expand to more than 30 institutions in the coming years. MCC’s first awardee will be announced in April 2026, in advance of May graduation.

Endowed by its founder Steven C. Markoff, the A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1997. As an organization it believes that a healthy and free media is the foundation of democracy. Their mission statement reflects this core belief: Making focused grants to organizations that offer awards to promote and encourage journalism and investigative reporting.

“I was excited to work with MCC because of my personal connection to the college,” said Tracey DeFrancesco, chief operating officer of the A-Mark Foundation. “Both of my parents taught at MCC for many years.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4,100 press-related job openings are projected annually nationwide. 

“By investing in MCC’s Journalism program, the A-Mark Foundation directly contributes to the advancement of responsible journalism. As information moves faster and across more platforms than ever before, the need for well-prepared journalists has never been greater,” said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. “Mesa Community College is committed to developing professionals who can responsibly gather, evaluate and communicate information in service to their communities.”

“MCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Journalism and New Media Studies places a strong emphasis on news judgment, ethics and real-world reporting,” said Nadine ‘NAR’ Arroyo Rodriguez, MCC Journalism and New Media Studies program director. “Students gain practical experience by working with professionals, including the college’s media relations team, as they develop skills essential for university-level training and news reporting internships. By supporting students who demonstrate strong potential but face financial barriers, this award allows them to concentrate on building professional skills as they prepare for their career in journalism. This is more than a scholarship—it’s an investment in the future of our students, our program, our profession and the democratic values that journalism upholds.”

A-Mark also provides an annual $500 grant to participating colleges to support journalism programs and student media outlets. This year the funds will subsidize wages of The Mesa Legend student editorial team, which publishes bi-weekly online.

Founded in 1963, The Mesa Legend provides hands-on reporting experience for student journalists. It is the only student newspaper of its kind at the community college level in the Phoenix area.

MCC is the only college within the Maricopa County Community College District offering an Associate of Applied Science in Journalism and New Media Studies and an Associate of Applied Science in Public Relations. Learn more about these programs and the career opportunities available to individuals earning these degrees at mesacc.edu/programs/journalism.

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Note: The MCC News Writing class contributed to the development of this news release. 

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

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, with its donors and partners, supports the Maricopa County Community College District, its students, faculty and staff, through scholarships, programs, equipment, and financial and human capital. Visit www.mcccdf.org to learn more.

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.