The Mesa College Promise, a program that covers two years of tuition and fees at Mesa Community College for students with financial needs, is expanding to include adults 24 and over, according to a press release.

Providing community college access for recent high school graduates dealing with financial troubles was the initial focus of the program when it began in 2021. The program was launched by Mesa Mayor John Giles as a public-private partnership with Mesa Community College and the corporate sector.

“Education is a powerful tool used to pull the greatness from our students that rests within them. Ensuring robust financial support for our students through the Mesa College Promise in partnership with the city of Mesa is a profound example of how collaboration builds a better tomorrow for our students and our community,” said Dr. Kimberly Britt, Interim President, Mesa Community College, in the press release. “We are excited about this partnership with the City of Mesa, and we know our students and community will be the benefactors.”

If the student had recently graduated high school and demonstrated financial need, Mesa College Promise would provide them with two years of tuition and registration at Mesa Community College. According to its website, the tuition is applied to cover remaining fees after any financial aid or scholarships are applied.

The program is now expanding to adults 24 and over starting with the 2024-25 school year, as long as they are a Mesa resident. Those looking to apply will need a high school diploma or GED and cannot have previously attended college in any capacity, according to the press release.

“The Mesa College Promise plays a vital role in connecting Mesa residents with pathways to higher education and better job prospects, and the expansion of the Promise to adult learners multiplies its potential,” said Giles during the expansion’s announcement on Monday, March 4. “The business community understands the value of post-secondary education and through their integral support of the program, they are helping to build the workforce of tomorrow. I could not be happier that more Mesa residents will have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”

According to the press release, Mesa College Promise had 88 students enrolled in fall semester 2021, 201 students in fall semester 2022 and 200 in fall semester 2023. More than 70% of students are the first in their family to attend college.

“Each semester, I receive a $250 stipend to cover required textbooks and my transportation expenses. I was also offered many volunteer and social network opportunities, which helped me gain leadership and teamwork skills,” said Rosalee Martinez, a first-generation college student and Mesa College Promise scholar who will graduate from Mesa Community College in May 2024.

Mesa College Promise applications are currently open with a priority deadline of May 15, 2024 and a final deadline of July 15, 2024. Those interested can apply at this link: https://www.mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.