April marks National Community College Month, with this year’s theme “Cultivating Skills for the Future.” Community colleges exemplify flexibility and practicality, providing accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality education to students across America. From a là carte training and professional certificates to associate and bachelor’s degrees, community colleges offer diverse academic opportunities for individuals looking to further their higher education goals.
The concept of community college dates back to 1901 when Joliet Junior College became the first institution of its kind in America. William Rainey Harper, president of the University of Chicago, and J. Stanley Brown, superintendent of Joliet Township High School, championed this innovative idea of two-year junior colleges as an alternative to traditional four-year higher education institutions. The idea gained momentum over the years, leading to 14 junior colleges and 32 private junior colleges by 1914. Today, there are 1,026 colleges – 921 public, 36 tribal, and 69 independent – serving as pillars of higher education within their respective communities.
Maricopa Community Colleges have been instrumental in bringing neighborhoods together through education. Since 1920, ten colleges and 31 satellite locations have been established, making Maricopa County a hub for lifelong learning. As one of America’s largest community college systems, Maricopa Community Colleges offers a wide range of programs and services that not only meet the needs of its diverse student population but also cultivate the skills of Arizona’s future workforce.
1920 – Phoenix College
As a pioneer in Arizona's higher education, Maricopa Community Colleges opened its doors and welcomed students to Phoenix Junior College in 1920. As the state’s first two-year college, Phoenix Junior College was part of the Phoenix Union High School District and the Junior College District. In 1960, the college became part of the Maricopa County Junior College District and now is the flagship campus. Phoenix College (PC) offers over 150 certificate and degree programs, including two bachelor’s degree programs in Information Technology (BAS) and Public Safety Administration (BAS). Home of the Bears, for over 100 years, Bumstead the Bear has been the official mascot of PC.
1965 – Glendale Community College
Established in 1965, Glendale Community College (GCC) was the second and first college in the West Valley for the Maricopa County Junior College. With regional growth in the 1980s and 1990s, GCC expanded too, giving rise to the GCC North Campus in 2000. Today, GCC offers students with a passion for information technology and cybersecurity the opportunity for hands-on, real-world training at the Gaucho Security Operations Center. GCC offers over 100 certificate and degree programs, including a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education (BA). GCC is home of the Gauchos.
1965 – Mesa Community College
In 1963, Mesa Community College (MCC) began its journey as a branch of Phoenix College in the East Valley. Two years later, on April 12, 1965, the Governing Board made it an independent college. The Southern and Dobson campus opened in 1965, and the Red Mountain campus opened in 2001. MCC stands out for its focus on innovation and support, offering over 350 certificate and degree programs, including two bachelor’s degrees in Data Analytics and Programming (BA) and Early Childhood Education - Dual Language (BA). MCC is represented by the mascot Thor the Thunderbird.
1968 – GateWay Community College
Established in 1968 as Arizona’s first technical college, Maricopa Technical College found its roots in an old department store in downtown Phoenix. In 1987, the college underwent a transformation and a change in scenery, becoming GateWay Community College (GWCC) to reflect the surrounding area. In 2000, GWCC integrated the Southwest Skills Center. With three campuses and three extension sites today, GWCC proudly offers over 150 certificate and degree programs. For students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees, exciting options like Nuclear Medicine Technology and Computed Tomography (BAS) and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) are available, with the RN-BSN launching in Fall 2024. At GWCC, the Geckos find their home.
1970 – Scottsdale Community College
Opening in 1970, Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is situated on land leased by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. It proudly holds the distinction of being the sole public community college on tribal land. Offering over 160 certificate and degree programs, SCC caters to various interests, including Culinary Arts, the Hospitality Work & Learn program, and the award-winning Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre. SCC will offer a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Management (BBA) starting Fall of 2025. Known for its spirited mascot, Artie the Artichoke, SCC has a vibrant educational environment.
1978 – Rio Salado College
In 1978, Rio Salado College emerged as the college without walls, pioneering remote classes in 180 facilities throughout Maricopa County. The shift to online courses started in 1996, with a full transition by 2006. Today, Rio Salado offers nearly 600 online classes that are accessible 24/7, and it has earned national recognition as a leader in higher education innovation. Rio Salado offers two bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education (BA) and Public Safety Administration (BAS). Home of the Rio Waves, Splash proudly represents the college as its mascot.
1980 – South Mountain Community College
Established in 1980, South Mountain Community College (SMCC) ignited growth and revitalization for the communities in the heart of South Phoenix. Initially isolated by a single bridge over the unpredictable Salt River, SMCC now offers over 60 certificate and degree programs, including the Construction Trades Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science (BS). SMCC is home to Cougy the Cougar.
1985 – Paradise Valley Community College
Established in 1985, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) started as the Northeast Valley Education Center before adopting its current name a year later. Initially holding classes at Paradise Valley High School while campus construction was being completed, PVCC operated as an extension of SCC until 1990, when it gained independent accreditation. The addition of the Black Canyon Campus in 2009 marked a new chapter. PVCC offers over 125 certificate and degree programs, including two bachelor’s degree programs in Elementary Education and Special Education (BA) and Business Administration-Accounting (BBA), launching in Fall 2025. Paws the Puma reigns as the official mascot.
1985 – Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) traces its roots back to 1985 when it was established as the Chandler-Gilbert Education Center, an extension of MCC serving students in the Southeast Valley. Achieving accreditation to become an independent college in 1992, CGCC has grown to encompass four campuses, offering over 70 certificate and degree programs. As a leader in innovation and technology, CGCC became the first U.S. community college to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning program in 2020, with plans to expand to include a bachelor of science program in Fall 2025. Cody the Coyote is the college's beloved mascot.
1992 – Estrella Community College
In 1992, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) Center emerged as a satellite location of Glendale Community College in Avondale. Subsequently, it earned accreditation as an independent institution in 1997. The addition of EMCC Buckeye Educational Center in 2011 further solidified its presence. Today, EMCC offers over 55 certificate and degree programs, and Rory the Mountain Lion symbolizes the college's spirit.
In addition to academic offerings, Maricopa Community Colleges also provides support services such as counseling, tutoring, career guidance, and extracurricular activities that enrich the overall college experience. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty members, and state-of-the-art facilities that create an environment conducive to learning and growth.
Maricopa Community Colleges stands out as a beacon of educational excellence within Arizona’s higher education landscape, offering accessible pathways to success for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re a prospective student considering your next steps or a community member interested in attending plays, concerts, or cultural events, we encourage you to visit your neighborhood college to witness firsthand the transformative power of higher education within your community. Learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges at Maricopa.edu.