MCCCD Celebrates National Community College Month

April is National Community College Month, and the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is proud to recognize the profound impact the System’s ten colleges and thirty-one satellite campuses have on students, diverse communities, and the growing region’s economic prosperity. 

As one of America’s most valuable resources, community colleges have a rich history dating back to 1901, when the nation’s first junior college was founded. MCCCD’s first college, now known as Phoenix College, was founded in 1920 and was one of the first higher education institutions in Maricopa County.

“Community colleges play a vital role in higher education by offering our students and the diverse communities we serve access to affordable and high-quality education," said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “As we celebrate this important month, we also recognize the impact that the Maricopa Community Colleges have on our communities as we connect Maricopa County residents with our distinctive programs, helping them thrive by earning a livable wage and staying active within their communities.”

As one of the largest community college systems in the nation, MCCCD enrolls nearly 140,000 students annually and employs over 10,000 faculty and staff members. An Economic Impact Study from the fiscal year 2016-17 concluded that MCCCD added $7.2 billion in income and over 96,000 jobs to Maricopa County’s economy. Adding these critical roles means that one out of every twenty-seven jobs in Maricopa County was supported by the activities of MCCCD’s colleges and students.  A few of MCCCD’s impactful programs include the following:

Flexible Learning Options:

• Clock Hour Programs at GateWay Community College provide an affordable pathway for students to learn a new trade. Providing hands-on instruction from experienced professionals in state-of-the-art facilities, students receive industry-leading trade and technical training in as little as six months. In addition, instead of paying for each credit hour for the required program courses, students pay a nominal fee per clock hour to complete a certificate program.
• Semiconductor Technician Quick Start is a ten-day, 40-hour boot camp-style program that trains students for entry-level careers with guaranteed interviews with local semiconductor companies upon program completion.
• Boeing Technician Boot Camp trains students for careers in the aerospace manufacturing industry in a nine-day, boot camp-style program.

Community-Centered Programs:

• The South Mountain Community Library is a unique learning hub for college students and residents of South Phoenix. Serving as an esteemed City of Phoenix library and a community college resource center, visitors of all ages can explore the vast collection.
• Student-run restaurants are hidden gems in the Valley.  Community members can support the Culinary Arts programs and budding chefs at Scottsdale Community College and Estrella Mountain Community College. Learn more about SCC’s Artichoke Grill and EMCC’s Regions Restaurant.
• The Southwest's largest makerspace, Phoenix Forge, is open to faculty, students, and Valley residents. As part of GateWay Community College, this community workshop provides members with a wide range of tools and equipment for an affordable monthly membership fee. To expand the experience, classes and materials can be purchased separately, allowing members to learn a new skill or bring their ideas to reality.
• At the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI) at GateWay Community College, entrepreneurs are provided with startup incubation resources to launch their bioscience businesses with support from experienced mentors. In addition, CEI develops entrepreneurial skills for college students through Venture Pitch, an intercollegiate competition. Since launching, over 80 startups have created 872 jobs. CEI LabForce, located in Downtown Phoenix, provides cutting-edge training, workshops, and certifications throughout over 400 industry-curated courses. 
• With Lifelong Learning Programs, senior citizens can keep their minds sharp and stay connected to the community. From fitness and gardening classes to art programs and book discussions, Maricopa Community Colleges provides many activities to keep Valley residents engaged. By participating in these courses, adults stay active in both body and mind while connecting with others in the community. 

College Promise Programs offered in conjunction with the City of Mesa, the City of Peoria, the City of Phoenix, and the Town of Queen Creek:

• Eligible Mesa high school graduates can take advantage of the Mesa Promise Program at Mesa Community College.
• Peoria high school graduates who qualify for financial assistance can be eligible for the PeoriaAZ Promise Program to attend Glendale Community College. 
• Phoenix Promise Program provides scholarships and student support to eligible Phoenix residents pursuing higher education at Maricopa Community Colleges.
• Queen Creek high school graduates who demonstrate a financial need can apply for the Queen Creek Promise Program.

Early College Programs introduce Valley high school students to college-level courses and earn credits that count toward their college degree or certificate. The programs are:

• Achieving a College Education (ACE) – During the last five years, the ACE program has seen student success with inspiring statistics. Of the students who participated during this time, 92% graduated from high school on time with an average GPA of 3.03. In addition, ACE students graduate high school with an average of 23 college credits already earned. Furthermore, 72% were accepted into universities and colleges. In comparison, 48% continue to pursue higher education at Maricopa Community Colleges.
• Dual Enrollment  – In the Spring of 2022, over 200 high school students earned an associate degree or certificate before their high school diploma. During the last five years, there has been a 38% increase in program enrollment.
• Hoop of Learning (HOL) is a scholarship-based, high school-to-college bridge program that provides support services to ensure academic success and help Native American students graduate high school and navigate the college enrollment process.

For millions of students across the United States, community colleges offer an unparalleled opportunity for growth, opening doors that change futures. During National Community College Month, MCCCD invites Valley residents to explore the endless possibilities and opportunities of Maricopa Community Colleges.