Rio Salado College and the city of Tempe have launched the Tempe Promise Program to give more adult learners the opportunity for a college degree. 

Tempe Promise provides financial support to Tempe residents with demonstrated financial need to attend Rio Salado College, a city release explained. Eligible students will receive funds to cover some tuition and fee expenses along with related expenses such as books.

Mayor Corey Woods said in the release that the city is grateful for the continued partnership with Rio Salado College to address critical employment and education needs in Tempe.

“The Tempe Promise Program equitably increases postsecondary access, enrollment and attainment while also meeting the needs of working adults by providing financial assistance and access to wrap-around supports, especially for first-generation student populations and others who have been historically underrepresented in the postsecondary sector,” Woods said. 

Rio Salado College President Kate Smith said in the release that the program is a “transformative” opportunity for the community, as it removes financial barriers and increases accessibility to higher education for adult learners.

She added that by earning college credentials, these individuals enhance their own lives and strengthen the local workforce, contributing to the economic vitality of Tempe.

“This program reflects our shared commitment to access, affordability, and creating win-win solutions that benefit students, businesses and the entire community," Smith said.

College Promise programs promote a college-going culture and increase access to higher education. These programs remove barriers such as college tuition while providing academic and community support that enhance residents’ overall quality of life, the release explained.

The city of Tempe is investing $69,000 in federal funds to support the pilot Tempe Promise program; Rio Salado will administer it throughout the spring of 2025.

The program is open to new, recent and current students. Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 7 for spring 2025. The deadline to apply is April 21. Apply here.

Tempe Promise is designed to enhance the existing resources of the city of Tempe’s Education Roadmap and aims to:

• Help Tempe reach Achieve65, the city’s goal of having 65% of Tempe residents aged 25 or older with a degree or post-secondary credential by the year 2030;
• Support the business community by addressing the unmet training needs of adult workers.

The program covers “last dollar” tuition and fee expenses, meaning any amounts remaining after the application of student federal financial aid funds. Eligible students also receive a $500 per semester student support stipend to cover non-direct educational expenses such as transportation and childcare, according to the release.

Tempe Promise participants will receive personalized support while attending Rio Salado, including academic advising, tutoring and counseling, career services assistance and more. 

Tempe residents who meet the following criteria are eligible for Tempe Promise:

• A current resident of Tempe when applying who qualifies for Arizona/Maricopa County resident tuition, registration and fees at Rio Salado, and who plans to attend the college in the spring 2025 term;
• An income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income;
• A United States citizen or legal resident of the United States;
• Demonstrates financial need as shown on the FAFSA application and any supporting documentation as needed by Rio Salado;
• At least 25 years old when applying and has not earned a postsecondary degree;
• Declares a certificate or degree program and is enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course.

Learn more about Tempe Promise at riosalado.edu/tempepromise.