The Maricopa County Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) has been awarded $52,520 from Salt River Project (SRP). The award is part of the community based not-for-profit water and energy company’s commitment to support nonprofit organizations. These awards provide programs and services that meet the needs and enhance quality of life for SRP customers.
SRP’s contribution recognizes the value of multiple programs offered by MCCF and will be disbursed as follows: $25,500 in support of the Fast Track Certificate Program, $15,000 in operating support for the Girls Get IT program, a $5,000 sponsorship of the Heroes of Education event and a $5,000 sponsorship of Be A Student’s Hero day of giving.
“As a MCCF Board Member, I have the unique opportunity to see firsthand what the Foundation and the Maricopa Community Colleges are doing to advance opportunities through higher education,” said Geri Mingura, SRP General Associate Manager and Chief Human Resources Manager. “These community investments benefit us all by caring for those in need, educating the next generation of Arizonans, and creating a diverse economy.”
The Fast Track Certificate Program was recently developed by the Maricopa Community Colleges, working with industry partners to train students in relevant skills used in high demand jobs in Arizona. The program allows students to earn a certificate in as little as six months, providing the opportunity to be hired and step into vital jobs as quickly as possible, as the majority of these certificates do not require previous coursework or prerequisites to register. Fast Track Certificates are a fast, affordable way to help students transition quickly into a new career. There are more than 80 certifications offered in multiple fields of interest: Applied Technology, Behavioral Sciences & Human Services, Business Entrepreneurialism and Management, Computer and Information Technology, Health Science and Visual and Performing Arts.
“SRP has been a business champion improving education platforms and providing significant support to the Maricopa Community Colleges, the Foundation and students for over 35 years,” said Brian Spicker, MCCF President and CEO. “This latest award allows us to spread funding across programs and events that have a significant reach across our entire community that affect not only our students, but the local economy as well.”
SRP’s support of Girls Get IT will provide significant help to this annual program (tentatively scheduled for early November 2023) that introduces students, primarily from Title 1 schools across the East Valley, to the many career possibilities in the field of Information Technology (IT). Through interactive workshops, attendees learn about emerging technologies and the full range of educational programs and in-demand professional opportunities available in IT, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, web application design, object-oriented software development and more.
“SRP’s commitment towards supporting the Maricopa County Community College District’s programs and services will have a significant impact on our student’s learning experience.” said Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges. “This award will empower the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation to continue playing a central role for Maricopa’s workforce training and the overall economic vitality for Arizona by providing scholarship opportunities for students in need.”
For more information about the SRP grant, the programs mentioned and other opportunities for support, please contact Judy Sanchez, Chief Development Officer, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, 480.731.8739 or at [email protected].
