The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Mesa Community College, and the City of Mesa have introduced new digital billboards to support the Mesa College Promise program. The unveiling took place during a lighting ceremony at the Southern and Dobson campus of Mesa Community College. Organizers expect the billboards to generate $400,000 each year for the scholarship initiative, which aims to help eligible residents of Mesa.
Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, stated, “We are excited to partner with the City of Mesa to find additional revenue streams to help fund the Mesa College Promise. These billboards reflect our shared commitment to expand access to affordable higher education for Mesa residents.”
The cost of college has increased significantly since 2000, making higher education less accessible for many people in the United States. Maricopa Community Colleges continues to offer some of the lowest tuition rates in Maricopa County.
MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel said, “Education changes lives and leads to a more prosperous future not only for the student, but for their family and the community as a whole. Everyone who supports the Mesa College Promise is a valued partner in serving the educational needs of our community.”
The Mesa College Promise program offers two years of fully funded tuition and fees for qualifying residents. In addition to financial support, students receive an iPad loan during their first two years, a $250 stipend per semester for educational expenses, assistance with financial aid applications and enrollment, orientation programs, an assigned adviser, academic workshops and tutoring opportunities, as well as volunteer and internship placements.
Becker Boards operates these digital billboards on MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus along US 60. They are visible from both directions on this major route.
The Mesa College Promise Program was started in 2021 by former Mayor John Giles through public and private partnerships. Initially focused on recent high school graduates from Mesa attending MCC, it expanded in 2024 to include city residents aged 24 or older who have not previously completed college credentials.
Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman said, “These new digital billboards will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, and every dollar will go to the Mesa College Promise program helping Mesa residents attend college tuition-free. Since its launch, the Promise has opened doors for hundreds of students, thanks to our strong partnership with Mesa Community College. This is an investment in people, in our workforce, and in the future of Mesa.”
Since its inception, over $1 million in private funds have been matched by $430,000 from the City of Mesa—together supporting scholarships for more than 800 local residents.
For further information about eligibility or program details visit mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.
