The first Mesa College Promise eligible high school graduates will receive funding to attend Mesa Community College (MCC) beginning with the fall 2021 semester. Each student accepted into the program will have their own academic advisor, a Promise orientation, plus career and financial aid advising as well as all the free MCC services such as tutoring, parking, counseling, job skill assistance and the food pantry.
The Mesa College Promise is a commitment from the City of Mesa to residents that eligible graduating high school students, who reside in Mesa, may apply to attend MCC for two years with Arizona resident tuition and fees fully funded.
This flagship program within the Maricopa Community Colleges covers tuition and fees remaining after funds from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other scholarships are applied. Eligibility includes a 2.0 or better high school GPA and Mesa residency. Full details, criteria and applications are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.
“The pandemic is affecting everyone, including the students toiling to complete high school online. I’m pleased we’re able to offer the Mesa College Promise program to some of these extraordinary students,” said MCC Interim President Lori Berquam, Ph.D. “Our goal is to be the source of possibilities, whether it is earning credentials to enter the workforce, an associate’s degree or transfer credits to a university. We are opening doors for the next generation of community college learners.”
The Mesa College Promise program was recommended by the city’s Mesa Achieves Higher Education Task Force on which MCC leadership served along with representatives from the city, businesses and community organizations. Mesa College Promise addresses another task force recommendation, which is that the City of Mesa joins more than 40 government entities and 1,000 business and education organizations in adopting the state Achieve60 goal that by 2030, 60% of Arizonans will have earned post-secondary credentials.
““As we continue to attract businesses to Mesa, it’s important that we also continue supporting the education of students across Mesa,” said District 6 Councilmember Kevin Thompson. “The Mesa College Promise is a great opportunity for students to further their education and build on the skills that attract employers to our city. The Mesa College Promise is an investment in both the future of our workforce and the City of Mesa, and I am proud that we are able to offer this to all students across Mesa.”
The City of Mesa leads the charitable commitment with a financial promise of $100,000. Mayor Giles issued a challenge to businesses and philanthropists to match $100,000. Donors to the Maricopa County Community College District Foundation continue to rise to this challenge – building a base to support and grow this transformational program. Student funding is awarded through the Foundation and made possible through the generous contributions of more than 10 businesses and individuals and federal CARES act funding.
