MCC works with Pega to offer course preparing students for industry certification

MESA, Arizona – Oct. 8, 2021– Mesa Community College announces a new fast-track Pega certification program to help prepare information technology career seekers to compete for hundreds of high-wage Valley positions. MCC worked with Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA), the software company that crushes business complexity, to develop the course.

Pega allows businesses to create scalable, enterprise-grade solutions that maximize customer lifetime value, streamline service, boost efficiency, and more. Its real-time AI and intelligent automation solutions built on its low-code platform help clients save time and stay ahead of rapid change.

“Today’s enterprises need employees skilled in Pega to meet their business needs, which offers a tremendous opportunity to those building their IT careers,” said Gerald Leavitt, Senior Director of Global Technical Training and Enablement Programs, Pegasystems. “As more organizations continue to implement Pega’s intelligent, low-code solutions, they need talent to fill these new roles. By fast tracking their Pega certification, students can work toward getting hired sooner to kickstart their careers.”

A Pega certification, which may be earned in one semester at MCC, opens doors for individuals to compete for positions with substantial starting salaries. Pega System Architects are one of the top 50 highest paid IT professionals in America according to Certification Magazine, with starting salaries jumping to more than $114,000 annually in 2021.

“This is an amazing opportunity for individuals with IT backgrounds or aptitudes to earn a certification specifically designed to ensure they have the skills and abilities to serve both local businesses and global enterprises,” said Diane Meza, director of the Maricopa IT Institute-East Valley (MITI-EV).

Mike Bogner, MCC computer information systems faculty “The specialized training developed with Pega ensures individuals are competent using the platform,” said Mike Bogner, MCC computer information systems faculty. “Those earning the certification will be qualified to fill openings with more than 200 Pega partners within Maricopa County, across Arizona and the United States.”

Registration for the inaugural MCC Pega Systems Architect Essentials course (COMM_ED500-100421) is now open and may be viewed online at mesacc.edu/schedule. The non-credit course is available for an introductory flat rate of $299 and is offered in person and Live Online on Monday and Thursday evenings (6-8 p.m.) at the MCC Downtown Center (145 North Centennial Way, Mesa). Classes begin Oct. 25 and run through Dec. 16, resuming on Jan. 15, 2022 with completion on March 9, 2022.

To help ensure students’ success while taking the MCC course, Pega is providing a free Pega certification exam preparation course for enrolled students during the college’s Winter Break, Dec. 20, 2021 through Jan. 14, 2022.

“It is important to us that each of the individuals enrolled in the MCC course are successful,” said Leavitt. “We hope to scale capacity after this pilot course to train even more individuals to support our partners as they continue to grow their Pega practices.”

Pega is hosting a free demonstration webinar Oct. 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. MST. Click here to RSVP.

Visit mesacc.edu/miti/programs to learn more about the Pega Architect Essentials course. Contact Michael Bogner (michael.bogner@mesacc.edu) or Diane Meza (diane.meza@mesacc.edu) with questions or to enroll.

# # #

Media contact:
Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892 or 6025-471-5343

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. For more than 50 years, the college has served 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 at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. 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 http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.