Tempe, Ariz., April 25, 2024 – Today, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs joined the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4) for a press conference at GateWay Community College’s (GWCC) Washington Campus to announce the launch of the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program. During the event, Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, AC4 Chair and President of Mohave Community College; Carlos Contreras, Executive Deputy Director and Cabinet Executive Officer for the Office of Economic Opportunity; Karla Morales, Vice President of the Southern Arizona Regional Office for the Arizona Tech Council; and Evan Graber, GWCC Machining and Welding student; spoke on the impact the scholarships will have on students and Arizona’s growing economy.
The Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program, which is funded through the American Rescue Act Plan, offers students the opportunity to earn a certificate, a two-year associate degree, a four-year bachelor’s degree, or non-credit training for high-demand, high-wage industries, including Advanced Manufacturing/Semiconductors, Construction Trades, Dental Hygienists/Assistants, Education, Health Care, Information Technology, Paralegal/Legal Assistants, Tractor Trailer Driving, and Veterinary Technology.
“Education has the power to change lives,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the country, with more people, businesses, and corporations choosing to call our state home. This scholarship, along with our many other ongoing workforce development efforts, will allow us to grow our own talent and help Arizonans access good paying jobs that allow them to reach their full potential.”
The $4.5 million statewide scholarship will be distributed among Arizona’s ten independent community college districts. It will assist students in paying educational expenses, including tuition, fees, and technology needs. The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) offers degrees, certificates, and non-credit training in ten of the eleven high-growth fields the scholarship program targets.
The Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship program will be awarded to financially help each student enroll in and/or complete their academic programs to gain employment in high-wage and high-growth jobs.
“The Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program will open doors for students who may not have had the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education,” said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the commitment of AC4 and Arizona’s leaders, who continue to champion critical investments that will support Arizona’s workforce and economic growth.”
As Arizona’s largest workforce development training provider, MCCCD partners with government and business leaders to provide students with the education, training, and skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. MCCCD, with ten colleges and 31 satellite locations, offers 600 certificate and degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees. Learn more at Maricopa.edu.
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Media Contact:
Lindsey Wilson, (480) 703-8378, lindsey.wilson@domail.maricopa.edu
About the Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District includes ten individually-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 100,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs. The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, with its donors and partners, supports the Maricopa County Community College District, its students, faculty, and staff, through scholarships, programs, equipment, and financial and human capital. Visit http://www.mcccdf.org to learn more.