MCC and Mesa host free info session for students and families
MESA, Arizona -- April 21, 2022 – The City of Mesa and Mesa Community College (MCC) are hosting a Mesa College Promise information session 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 26 at the City’s Main Library, 64 E. 1st St., Mesa, to help graduating students apply for the program. Applications are being accepted through July 15 for the Mesa College Promise program for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The session includes workshops, in English and Spanish, on college admissions, scholarships and assistance with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Registration is encouraged at tinyurl.com/MesaCollegePromise.
Current high school students residing in Mesa who are on target to earn a high school diploma from a public, private, charter, online or home school, including recipients of a state accredited GED, are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and apply for the program to attend MCC for two years with no out of pocket expenses for tuition or fees. Assistance with both processes will be provided during the session on Tuesday.
The program provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs who have not received enough FAFSA funds or other scholarships to completely cover the cost of college. Eligibility includes a 2.0 or better high school GPA, Mesa residency and a commitment to taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Full details and the application link are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.
Brooklynn Contreras, a current Mesa College Promise student says of the program, “The most important thing besides the scholarship opportunity that came with it was the additional support.”
Students accepted into the program are connected with an academic advisor to aid in setting and maintaining progress toward an individualized educational plan. Advisors remain in contact with students throughout their time at the college and serve as liaisons to connect students with support services such as tutoring, counseling, job search assistance and basic needs.
“The combined efforts of the City of Mesa, businesses, teachers, academic advisors, parents and guardians in supporting students in accomplishing this milestone is commendable,” said MCC Interim President Lori Berquam, Ph.D. “We aim to be the source of possibilities, and are very proud of the inaugural Mesa College Promise class of 2021-2022. We look forward to joining our community next spring to honor these students for earning college degrees.”
Sixty-three students make up the inaugural Mesa College Promise class completing their first year of college; many are first in their family to achieve this accomplishment.
“The Mesa College Promise increases educational attainment, builds a strong workforce and supports a sustainable economy,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Education is a key that unlocks the future, and through this partnership with the business community, Mesa Community College and the City of Mesa, we are creating invaluable opportunities for our eligible students to take the next step in preparing for successful careers.”
Visit mesacc.edu/mesa-promise to learn more about the program, connect with an academic advisor and apply to participate in the program.
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Media contacts:
City of Mesa: Casey Blake, 480-644-3662, casey.blake@mesaaz.gov
Mesa Community College: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.
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 maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.