On Friday, April 18, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB2765, expanding access to the Arizona Teachers Academy to community college bachelor’s of education students. Maricopa Community Colleges applauds Governor Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature for its passage of the bill, which received some of the strongest bipartisan support of any issue this legislative session.
Representative James Taylor (District 29, Litchfield Park) sponsored the bill. Strong supporters also included Education Committee Chairman Senator David Farnsworth (District 10, Mesa) and Representative Matt Gress (District 4, Phoenix).
“The competitive cost of tuition for teachers coming out of community colleges, paired with the high-quality instruction, is a worthwhile investment for the state,” said Representative Taylor.
Why It Matters
The Arizona Teachers Academy was established in 2018 to address the teacher shortage by paying tuition for students who commit to teaching in Arizona public schools after graduation. Currently, only public university and community college post-baccalaureate students are eligible to participate in the program. This disparity means students who choose the affordable, accessible community college bachelor’s degree pathway do not receive the same incentive as their university peers.
Including community college students in the scholarship will allow Arizona to educate far more teachers for the same state investment. Maricopa Community Colleges’ tuition is less than one-third the cost of in-state tuition at public universities. Today, more than 3,700 students are entering education-focused bachelor's degree programs across the system, with the first graduates expected this May.
“This news could not have come at a better time, as we are only weeks away from celebrating Teacher Appreciation Day,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “By expanding the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship to include community college students, our aspiring teachers will have access to scholarships that will prepare them to be classroom-ready. We commend the Arizona Legislature for its continued support of our students.”
Empowering Community College Students
The passage of HB2765 is a critical step in recognizing Arizona community colleges' contributions to finding solutions to the state’s K-12 teacher shortage. The legislature's support of HB2765 not only validates community college bachelor’s programs but also sends a clear message that community college students deserve the same scholarship opportunities as their university counterparts.
In comments shared with legislators, Rio Salado College student Cassandra McClellan stated, “As a single mother with a limited income, pursuing higher education has been a financial challenge. A scholarship would help alleviate this financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and my role as a parent without the looming worry of student loans or out-of-pocket expenses.”
What’s Next
The bill will take effect 90 days after the conclusion of the Legislative Session. Students enrolled in elementary education-focused bachelor’s degree programs can learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Teachers Academy opportunities here.