MESA, Ariz. – Sept. 21, 2023 – Google Fiber, an Alphabet company, invests in the education of Mesa high school students with a $25,000 donation to the Mesa College Promise program in support of student attainment of an associate’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field of their choice from Mesa Community College.
The Mesa College Promise is a commitment from the City of Mesa to its residents that all eligible graduating Mesa high school students can attend Mesa Community College for two years with Arizona resident tuition and fees fully funded. The Mesa College Promise provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs but who have not received enough Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds or other scholarships to completely cover the cost of college.
“Supporting the Mesa College Promise program is a natural fit for Google Fiber,” said Will Novak, Government and Community Affairs Manager for Google Fiber. “We are purposeful in making investments that positively impact the communities we serve, including supporting STEM, digital equity and digital literacy.”
Google Fiber has been making an impact in the City of Mesa with its internet service since coming to the East Valley in 2022, giving residents a new choice for an internet provider, and now expanding choice in higher education for city residents
“The Mesa College Promise is helping to build bridges to education and grow career opportunities for Mesa residents, thanks to support from the private sector,” said Mayor John Giles. “As Google Fiber’s network in Mesa expands and they continue to accelerate the delivery of fiber internet, we appreciate their partnership and investment in the future of our community.”
More than 580 qualifying Mesa high school students have benefitted from the Mesa College Promise program since its inception in 2021. Program participants may participate in an iPad loan program called iBelong which includes training to effectively use the device. College Promise students also receive a stipend each semester for up to two years to use for books, transportation or other educational expenses and have a dedicated MCC advisor to provide academic and personal support.
“We welcomed a group of 200 incoming Mesa College Promise students for the fall semester, a majority who are the first in their immediate family to attend college. Many of our new Promise students might not be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with us if it wasn’t for the philanthropic supporters of the program,” said Mesa Community College President Dr. Tammy Robinson. “It is contributions from partners like Google Fiber that assists in removing financial barriers, and aid our students with dreams of earning a degree and launching careers supporting our community. ”
To be eligible for Mesa College Promise, students residing in Mesa must be graduating from a public, private, charter, online or home schooling program, including recipients of a state-accredited GED, have a 2.0 or better GPA and commit to taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Learn more about the Mesa College Promise at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.
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Media contacts:
MCC: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7283
Google Fiber: Will Novak, willnovak@google.com
City of Mesa: Casey Blake, Casey.Blake@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3662
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. 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. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our 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.
MCC 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.