As program enrollment begins, Mesa College Promise is expanding to cover two years of tuition and fees at Mesa Community College (MCC) for eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older. The successful program Mesa Mayor John Giles launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership with MCC and the corporate sector will eliminate one of the top attainment barriers for adult learners, allowing many in our community to upskill or reskill at no cost. Applications to the Mesa College Promise program are being accepted online for the 2024-2025 academic year for eligible 2024 Mesa high school graduates and newly eligible adults.
"The Mesa College Promise plays a vital role in connecting Mesa residents with pathways to higher education and better job prospects, and the expansion of the Promise to adult learners multiplies its potential," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "The business community understands the value of post-secondary education and through their integral support of the program, they are helping to build the workforce of tomorrow. I could not be happier that more Mesa residents will have the opportunity to pursue higher education."
With the expansion announcement, Mesa College Promise is now open to any resident of Mesa who meets the following requirements:
Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion and supporting documentation
Earned a high school diploma or GED
Not previously attended college or some college/no degree
Enrolling at MCC in a minimum of 6 credits as a degree or certificate-seeking student in an eligible program of study
"Education is a powerful tool used to pull the greatness from our students that rests within them. Ensuring robust financial support for our students through the Mesa College Promise in partnership with the City of Mesa is a profound example of how collaboration builds a better tomorrow for our students and our community," said Dr. Kimberly Britt, Interim President, Mesa Community College. "We are excited about this partnership with the City of Mesa, and we know our students and community will be the benefactors."
One of the first Promise Programs in the state, Mesa College Promise welcomed the first group of 88 students to MCC in the Fall 2021 semester, 201 students in Fall 2022 and approximately 200 Promise students in Fall 2023. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college.
Mesa College Promise scholars greatly appreciate the financial support made possible through the generosity of individual and organizational philanthropic contributions. Additionally, students value the services participation in the program affords them access to ensure their academic success.
"Each semester, I receive a $250 stipend to cover required textbooks and my transportation expenses. I was also offered many volunteer and social network opportunities which helped me gain leadership and teamwork skills," said Rosalee Martinez, a first-generation college student and Mesa College Promise scholar who will graduate from MCC in May 2024.
"They have been my guiding light, empowering me to pursue my dreams and achieve academic excellence," said Cristian Guevara, another Promise scholar who will graduate from MCC in May. "Overall, Mesa Promise has been a crucial factor in my educational successes, providing both financial and academic support as well as fostering a supportive community environment."
Mesa College Promise supports the Achieve60 statewide attainment goal that at least 60% of all Arizona adults have a high-value workforce certification or college degree by 2030. A recent statewide survey shows 86% of residents support that goal.
"The Mesa College Promise, aimed at adults, embodies our collective commitment to the Achieve60AZ goal. By offering accessible pathways to higher education, programs like the Mesa College Promise play a pivotal role in allowing us to achieve this much-needed goal," said Rich Nickel Education Forward Arizona CEO. "By providing comprehensive support for Mesa residents to pursue postsecondary education, we not only remove barriers to achievement but also pave the way for a more educated, skilled and competitive workforce!"
More than $760,000 dollars of government and business private match funds have been donated to Mesa College Promise since its inception. Google has donated $100,000 for the program's expansion to include newly eligible adults.
"Google's sponsorship is not just a financial investment; it's an integral part of our commitment to this community and to breaking down entrenched financial barriers that have historically impeded students from pursuing higher education," said Dr. Kate Franko, Google's Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs for Arizona. "Mesa College Promise is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative efforts between the local government, educational institutions and corporate partners."
Full details about Mesa College Promise and the application link are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.