Local news- Press Release
Mesa Public Library Arizona - Mesa College Promise Program Expands to Eligible Adult Learners 04 March 2024 ( news )
Mesa Public Library , state Arizona ( By Press Release office)
Mar 04,2024
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As program enrollment begins , Mesa College Promise is expanding to cover two years of tuition and fees at Mesa Community College ( MCC ) for eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older . The successful program Mesa Mayor John Giles launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership with MCC and the corporate sector will eliminate one of the top attainment barriers for adult learners , allowing many in our community to upskill or reskill at no cost . Applications to the Mesa College Promise program are being accepted
onlinefor the 2024 - 2025 academic year for eligible 2024 Mesa high school graduates and newly eligible adults .
“The Mesa College Promise plays a vital role in connecting Mesa residents with pathways to higher education and better job prospects , and the expansion of the Promise to adult learners multiplies its potential , ” said Mesa Mayor John Giles . “The business community understands the value of post - secondary education and through their integral support of the program , they are helping to build the workforce of tomorrow . I could not be happier that more Mesa residents will have the opportunity to pursue higher education . ”
With the expansion announcement , Mesa College Promise is now open to any resident of Mesa who meets the following requirements:
Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion and supporting documentation
Earned a high school diploma or GED
Not previously attended college or some college/no degree
Enrolling at MCC in a minimum of 6 credits as a degree or certificate - seeking student in an eligible program of study
“Education is a powerful tool used to pull the greatness from our students that rests within them . Ensuring robust financial support for our students through the Mesa College Promise in partnership with the City of Mesa is a profound example of how collaboration builds a better tomorrow for our students and our community , ” said Dr . Kimberly Britt , Interim President , Mesa Community College . “We are excited about this partnership with the City of Mesa , and we know our students and community will be the benefactors . ”
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 greatly appreciate the financial support made possible through the generosity of individual and organizational philanthropic contributions . Additionally , students value the services participation in the program affords them access to ensure their academic success .
“Each semester , I receive a $250 stipend to cover required textbooks and my transportation expenses . I was also offered many volunteer and social network opportunities which helped me gain leadership and teamwork skills , ” said Rosalee Martinez , a first - generation college student and Mesa College Promise scholar who will graduate from MCC in May 2024 .
“They have been my guiding light , empowering me to pursue my dreams and achieve academic excellence , ” said Christian Guevara , another Promise scholar who will graduate from MCC in May . “Overall , Mesa Promise has been a crucial factor in my educational successes , providing both financial and academic support as well as fostering a supportive community environment . ”
Mesa College Promise supports the Achieve60 statewide attainment goal that at least 60% of all Arizona adults have a high - value workforce certification or college degree by 2030 . A recent
statewide surveyshows 86% of residents support that goal .
“The Mesa College Promise , aimed at adults , embodies our collective commitment to the Achieve60AZ goal . By offering accessible pathways to higher education , programs like the Mesa College Promise play a pivotal role in allowing us to achieve this much - needed goal , ” said Rich Nickel Education Forward Arizona CEO . “By providing comprehensive support for Mesa residents to pursue postsecondary education , we not only remove barriers to achievement but also pave the way for a more educated , skilled and competitive workforce!”
More than $760 , 000 dollars of government and business private match funds have been donated to Mesa College Promise since its inception . Google has donated $100 , 000 for the program’s expansion to include newly eligible adults .
“Google’s sponsorship is not just a financial investment; it ' s an integral part of our commitment to this community and to breaking down entrenched financial barriers that have historically impeded students from pursuing higher education , ” said Dr . Kate Franko , Google ' s Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs for Arizona . “Mesa College Promise is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative efforts between the local government , educational institutions and corporate partners . ”
Full details about Mesa College Promise and the application link are available at mesacc . edu/mesa - promise .
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