Strategic collaboration with the business community through partner programs, resources and other opportunities not only benefit students but strengthen communities with a qualified workforce that can positively impact local economies, and connect residents with pathways to education leading to better job prospects.
Among the most transformative opportunities offered to MCC students during the 2024-2025 academic year were new certifications in the technological field, expanded scholarship offerings and community outreach to help remedy poverty and homelessness.
It is with gratitude and thanks that MCC recognizes these remarkable partners who help us give back to the community in which we serve.
New Billboards Help Fund Mesa College Promise Program
The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Mesa Community College, and the City of Mesa officially unveiled its Mesa College Promise billboards. The billboards are expected to raise $400,000 annually for the Mesa College Promise program, benefitting eligible Mesa residents.
Mesa College Promise Expands Scholarship Opportunities and Workforce Growth with Grant from Meta
Mesa Community College President Richard Daniel, Ph.D., announced more scholarship opportunities through the Mesa College Promise program during Meta’s Mesa Data Center grand opening celebration on Jan. 30. The $225,000 contribution from Meta will go toward scholarships for Mesa residents pursuing STEM certificates and degrees and provide Promise participants with support to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
New MCC–NAU partnership creates affordable pathway to Beauty and Wellness bachelor’s degree
A new transfer pathway allows students in MCC’s Beauty and Wellness program to earn a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership from Northern Arizona University (NAU) at a fraction of the traditional cost—without needing to relocate. Called a 90/30 bachelor’s degree pathway, students may complete up to 90 college credits at MCC, where tuition is lower, and then complete the final 30 credits with NAU. What makes this pathway unique is that students take MCC and NAU courses concurrently, allowing them to begin their core coursework while still finishing credits at MCC.
Data Center industry partnerships help tackle skilled labor shortage
Three key partners in Arizona’s growing digital infrastructure industry—QTS, EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure and the Phoenix Chapter of the Association for Computer Operations Management (AFCOM)—are investing in the future of data center talent by contributing a combined $48,350 to launch a new Data Center Operations Scholarship Fund benefiting students at Mesa Community College and Estrella Mountain Community College.
Mesa Community College launches Applied Behavioral Health Program
Developed in response to Arizona’s urgent mental health workforce needs, the program prepares students for meaningful careers in behavioral health care and direct patient support. Scholarships are available for students who commit to working in behavioral health positions after graduation, helping remove financial barriers to education and employment.
FIC-MCC Resilient Roots Apprenticeship program
Participants selected by the Family Involvement Center (FIC) and the MCC Social Work Program for the FIC-MCC Resilient Roots Apprenticeship program receive a year of college tuition covering the cost of Live Online social work courses at MCC, a computer to access classes and a monthly stipend to cover the cost of internet service and other expenses to remove barriers to succeed in the program.
Breaking the cycle of homelessness through higher education
A joint effort with Mesa Community Court provides Mesa court participants with personalized support to earn a college degree or certificate, creating a path to skilled work and self-reliance. Mesa Community Court is a specialty court designed to address the root causes of homelessness by offering comprehensive social services.