We experienced many benchmark moments that help to redefine the role of community colleges locally, nationally and internationally. These milestones also helped us align with the goals of Achieve60AZ, a statewide coalition aiming to raise Arizona’s postsecondary educational attainment rate from an estimated 49% to 60% by 2030. We strive to remove barriers to higher education through the expansion of financial aid, developing programs and pathways to train workforce-ready students, and continuing to forge new strategic partnerships in industry, technology and education, among other vital contacts in the community.
Among the “wins” for the year were the historic groundbreaking of the Workforce Development Corridor to expand hands-on training capacity, modernize instructional spaces and strengthen workforce pipelines in high-demand fields; the opening of a high-fidelity Behavioral Health Simulation Lab enabling students to experience realistic patient care; the expansion of the Construction Trades program; and the addition of AI courses and Apple IT courses requiring no prerequisites to address the increasing market demand for such skills.
More than 3,100 students earning a cumulative 4,262 degrees and certificates of completion graduated from MCC during the 2025-2026 academic year. Our Proactive Graduation 3.0 initiative to award certificates to eligible students who have completed all academic requirements without requiring them to submit a graduation application greatly contributed to the number of degrees and certificates awarded. Planning for the 4.0 iteration to achieve an even greater number of awards is already underway. For the first time, graduates earned bachelor’s degrees in Data Analytics and Programming. We also graduated our second group of Early Childhood Education-Dual Language bachelor’s degree earners.
Our strategic plan aligns with the 2026–2030 Maricopa County Community College District system-wide strategic plan and marks the first time all Maricopa colleges will operate within a shared planning cycle. As we welcome our new chancellor, Steven Bloomberg, Ed.D. we look forward to another exciting year serving our students, faculty and the community with strong commitment, integrity, a spirit of collaboration and dynamic leadership.
Philanthropy: Investing in the future
During academic year 2025-26, 965 donors stepped forward with gifts, building a stronger foundation for our Thunderbirds. A total of $1,253,945 in total gift revenue supports immediate college priorities, programs and student scholarships. Priorities include capital development, particularly in the support of MCC’s Workforce Development Corridor that will host new buildings for Welding Technology as well as Veterinary Technology and Sustainable Horticulture. Scholarships provide students with more than financial assistance — they have an impact on student success by assisting them with costs such as class fees, books, food, personal hygiene and other everyday necessities. These funds allow students stability, opportunity and the freedom to focus on achieving their educational goals.
In addition to gift revenue, donors generously pledged $959,621 in future gifts. These pledges allow MCC to plan strategically for the future, sustaining critical student support programs and ensuring that future students can access higher education with the confidence that assistance will be available when challenges arise.
EmpowerED for Student Success
The multi-year EmpowerED for Student Success campaign concluded on June 30, securing $2,751,018 in gifts, which exceeded our original goal of $1.5 million to fund the Mesa College Promise and the Thunderbird Excellence Fund. The scholarship and program support reduces barriers and allows students to concentrate on their education, improving their ability to succeed academically and persist in their studies.
Power of 60
Launched in 2025 as part of MCC’s 60th anniversary, the Power of 60 invites community and alumni to invest in MCC’s upcoming Veterinary Technology and Sustainable Horticulture building. With $326,053 in gifts secured toward our $1.2 million goal, visionary supporters are helping to provide access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment, new curriculum, and increased scholarship support for students.
Statistical Snapshots
Established in 1965, we proudly serve more than 23,000 students each year with nearly half being the first in their families to attend college.
Our Points of Pride showcases key achievements, including:
- Transfer partnerships with Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and an extensive network of institutions nationwide
- Exceptional student pass rates highlight the excellence of our Dental Hygiene, Nursing and EMT programs
Fast Facts provides further insight into student demographics, degrees and certificates awarded, transfer rates and academic progress.
