MESA, Ariz. -- Oct. 25, 2019 -- Seventeen Mesa Community College (MCC) Dual Enrollment students studying early childhood education at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) are recipients of over $8,000 in First Things First college scholarships to help pay for their first and second year collegiate education at MCC following EVIT graduation in May 2020.
“Many of my students cannot afford the tuition and the fees to take the Dual Enrollment classes,” said Paula Corbin, EVIT instructor. “The students were so excited to tell me when they received their congratulations email.”
Over 54 percent of Corbin’s first year students took advantage of the First Things First scholarship this year. This funding, along with the Dual Enrollment credit earned from MCC, push these students one step closer to completing their prospective early childhood certificates of completion or associates in applied science degree during the 2019-2020 school year.
“I can't wait for future years to see the scholarship recipients grow. For most of these students, my Dual Enrollment classes are their first experience with college. For them to receive this scholarship through First Things First, only makes them more excited for their future and education,” Corbin said.
EVIT students who are pursuing Dual Enrollment credit through MCC are already a step ahead with their college education.
“These students are completing coursework that counts towards the Early Childhood Certificates of Completion and the Associate's in Applied Sciences degree offered at MCC,” said Annapurna Ganesh, Ph.D., program director, MCC Early Childhood Education. “During their two years at EVIT they can earn 10 credits of college coursework and additional general education credits. This scholarship will help them reach their goal without incurring additional educational debt.”
Gordon Freeman Brown, Regional Coordinator for the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry, which administers the First Things First Scholarship, stated, “Membership in the registry not only connects these EVIT students to an amazing scholarship that pays up to 100% of books, fees and tuition, but also provides them with the minimum entry level credential for anyone who wants to work in the field of early childhood in Arizona. Most early childhood employers now require their staff to be members.”
MCC facilitates credit transfers through online resources and their Early College Program. Learn more about dual enrollment at mesacc.edu/early-college-programs/dual-enrollment.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, MCC, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is a public school that provides career and technical education for high school students and adults who reside in the East Valley. Early Childhood Education is one of more than 40 career training programs offered at EVIT's central campuses in Mesa. Over half of EVIT programs include the opportunity for students to earn dual enrollment college credit through MCC and other area colleges. For more information, visit www.evit.com.
First Things First partners with families and communities to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children. From birth to age 5, children’s brains develop faster than any other time in their lives and set the foundation for future learning. That’s why Arizonans created First Things First—a voter-initiated, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to prepare young children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Local regional councils, staffed by community volunteers, decide how funds are spent to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children. More at FirstThingsFirst.org.
The Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry is a free, web-based system that enables early childhood professionals and those interested in a career in early education to find and register for professional development opportunities and also to keep a record of their experience, education, professional development and credentials in a central location. It is also used to manage application and enrollment in First Things First College Scholarships for Early Childhood Professionals . Anyone who works or volunteers with children age birth to age 5, not yet in kindergarten, is eligible to apply to receive a scholarship that will pay up to 100% of their costs for books, fees and tuition towards an Early Childhood Associates Degree. Visit azregistry.org/ to become a member and apply for the scholarship.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA 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.