The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), Mesa Community College (MCC), and the City of Mesahave officially unveiled its Mesa College Promise billboards during a lighting ceremony held at the colleges Southern and Dobson campus. The billboards are expected to raise $400,000 annually for the Mesa College Promise program, benefitting eligible Mesa residents.
"We are excited to partner with the City of Mesa to find additional revenue streams to help fund the Mesa College Promise," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. "These billboards reflect our shared commitment to expand access to affordable higher education for Mesa residents."
Why It Matters
Today, the cost of attending college may feel out of reach for many Americans, with tuition and fees at traditional four-year universities and colleges tripling since 2000. With the lowest tuition rate in Maricopa County, Maricopa Community Colleges remains the most affordable option for earning a credential, associate degree, or bachelors degree.
"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," said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. "Everyone who supports the Mesa College Promise is a valued partner in serving the educational needs of our community."
The Mesa College Promise creates impactful change by removing financial barriers to higher education. The scholarship provides two years of fully funded tuition and fees for eligible Mesa residents. Additionally, Mesa College Promise scholars receive personalized support while attending MCC, including:
- Participation in the iPad loan program during their first two years.
- $250 stipend each semester for two years to use for books, transportation, or other educational expenses.
- Support from MCC team members to complete FAFSA, scholarship applications, and enrollment.
- Participation in a New Student Orientation experience that prepares students for their first semester.
- An assigned adviser to provide academic and personal support.
- Access to workshops, boot camps, and tutoring.
- Volunteer and internship opportunities.
Where Can Commuters See the Mesa College Promise Billboards?
Operated by Becker Boards, the digital Mesa College Promise billboards are located along the south end of MCC's Southern and Dobson campus. The billboards are visible to both westbound and eastbound traffic along the US 60.
About the Mesa College Promise Program
Established in 2021 by former City of Mesa Mayor John Giles with funding through public and private partnerships, the Mesa College Promise Program was one of Arizonas first College Promise programs. Initially designed to cover two years of tuition and fees for eligible Mesa high school graduates to attend MCC, the program was expanded in 2024 to include Mesa residents who are 24 years old or older and have not previously attended college or have some college but no credentials, allowing many in the community to upskill or reskill at no cost.
"These new digital billboards will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, and every dollar will go to the Mesa College Promise programhelping Mesa residents attend college tuition-free," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "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 launch, the Mesa College Promise has received over $1.07 million in private match funds and $430,000 from the City of Mesa, which has funded scholarships for over 800 Mesa residents.
To learn more about the Mesa College Promise, visit mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.