SE Valley Times

Mesa Mayor John Giles expressed his excitement about the expansion of the Mesa College Promise program, stating, “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.” The program, which covers two years of tuition and fees at Mesa Community College for eligible residents aged 24 and older, aims to eliminate barriers for adult learners in pursuing education and career advancement opportunities.

Dr. Kimberly Britt, Interim President of Mesa Community College, highlighted the significance of collaboration in providing financial support for students through the Mesa College Promise program, stating, “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.”

The Mesa College Promise program, which initially welcomed a group of 88 students in Fall 2021, has seen steady growth in enrollment numbers over the years. More than 70% of the students in the program are the first in their families to attend college. Students like Rosalee Martinez, a first-generation college student and Mesa College Promise scholar, have benefited from the financial support provided by the program. Martinez expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”

Christian Guevara, another Promise scholar, also shared the positive impact of the Mesa College Promise program on his academic journey, stating, “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.”

The Mesa College Promise program aligns with the Achieve60 statewide attainment goal, aiming to ensure that at least 60% of all Arizona adults have a high-value workforce certification or college degree by 2030. Rich Nickel, Education Forward Arizona CEO, emphasized the importance of programs like the Mesa College Promise in achieving this goal, stating, “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.”

Since its inception, Mesa College Promise has received over $760,000 in government and private match funds. Google recently contributed $100,000 towards the program’s expansion to include newly eligible adults. Dr. Kate Franko, Google's Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs for Arizona, highlighted the company's commitment to breaking down financial barriers for students, stating, “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.”

For more information about the Mesa College Promise program and the application process, interested individuals can visit mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.