Arizona’s newly approved state budget includes millions in new funding for the Maricopa County Community College District, bolstering programs in workforce training, adult education, nursing, and dual enrollment across the state’s largest community college system.

Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the $17.8 billion fiscal year 2026 budget into law on June 27. The budget includes more than $28 million in targeted investments for Arizona’s community colleges, with substantial impacts expected for the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, which serve over 140,000 students.

Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District, said the funding will support programs that connect students with in-demand careers.

“We applaud Gov. Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature for recognizing the pivotal role community colleges play in preparing learners of all backgrounds for future-ready careers throughout the state,” Gonzales said. “Investments made in this year’s budget will allow Maricopa Community Colleges to expand on the life-changing opportunities our 10 colleges provide to more than 140,000 students, many of whom will go on to lead, innovate, and serve within our local communities.”  

The highlights include:

• $8.4 million in STEM formula funding, marking the full amount allocated based on student enrollment. Past allocations have supported programs in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
• $6 million for adult education, supporting students earning high school equivalency diplomas, improving basic academic skills, or learning English. Rio Salado College remains the state’s largest adult education provider.
• $1.5 million for dual enrollment scholarships, helping high school students take college-level courses. Maricopa Community Colleges enrolled more than 25,800 dual enrollment students last year.
• $1.5 million for the Nursing Expansion Pilot Grant, which funds renovations and equipment for nursing classrooms and labs. Maricopa trains about one-third of Arizona’s registered nurses.
• $2 million in new Community College Promise Scholarship funding, with $900,000 recurring annually.
• Roughly $9 million for the Arizona Teachers Academy, expanding scholarships to community college students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in education. Maricopa Community Colleges offer education-focused bachelor’s programs at four campuses.
• $250,000 to launch a wrestling scholarship program in the district.

One of the colleges expected to benefit is Estrella Mountain Community College, located in Avondale. The campus plays a key role in serving the West Valley, including students from the Agua Fria Union High School districts. 

With additional support from the Nursing Expansion Grant, Estrella Mountain is positioned to enhance its nursing program, helping meet demand from local healthcare providers. West Valley students pursuing teaching careers may also benefit from expanded Arizona Teachers Academy scholarships.

District officials say the investments will help strengthen access to affordable, high-quality education for communities across Maricopa County, particularly in growing areas like the West Valley.

Maricopa Community Colleges is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Arizona. The district operates 10 colleges and multiple satellite locations.