City-approved billboards provide sustainable support for scholarships.
Tempe, Ariz., August 13, 2025 – Today, the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), Mesa Community College (MCC), and the City of Mesa officially unveiled its Mesa College Promise billboards during a lighting ceremony held at the college’s 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 bachelor’s 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 Arizona’s 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 program—helping 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.
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Media Contacts:
Lindsey Wilson, [email protected], (480) 703-8378
Mel Valenzuela, [email protected], (480) 298-5364
About 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 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs. Visit www.maricopa.edu to learn more.
About Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation
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 www.mcccdf.org to learn more.
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College (MCC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025 and is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic-Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O’odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
