[Phoenix], Ariz., December 4, 2024 – Today, ұ (ұ) is proud to join the (MCCF) and Maricopa Community Colleges in launching , a three-year, $20 million fundraising campaign aimed at increasing financial support and removing barriers to help students attain a college degree and strengthen the state’s workforce. This bold initiative is a critical step toward ensuring that every student in Maricopa County has access to higher education and the opportunity to thrive in and beyond college.
“When we all come together in support of one common goal, our power and strength is that much greater,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “For many of our students, funding goes beyond just financial support, it’s a lifeline. This campaign brings each of our colleges and the Foundation together, supporting one strategy that we will achieve as a community.”
ұ will work alongside MCCF and its sister colleges to raise funds in four key areas: scholarships and stipends, basic needs resources, workforce development, and innovative programming to sustain existing College Promise programs. ұ’s funding priorities include:
Britt's Bears Program – helping former foster youth defy statistics and overcome hurdles by providing coaching and mentoring, alongside social and cultural experiences, with peers and coaches. Because where we start in life should not determine how far we can go.
Bumstead's Resource Room provides essential support to students struggling with food and other basic needs insecurity. An alarming number of students struggle to purchase food and other school supplies, directly impacting their well-being and success.
Early College Access programs like Dual Enrollment, ACE, and Hoop of Learning offer substantial benefits, helping ease the transition from high school to college, increasing academic confidence for students, and reducing the financial burden on families.
Emergency Student Stipends provide support to students facing emergencies or unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected job loss, emergency medical expenses, housing crises, transportation issues, or sudden family emergencies, which might otherwise lead students to drop-out - or stop-out - of college.
Esports Teams provide students with various skills and experiences that contribute to improved teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking, communication and time-management skills, vital to academic and professional success.
Osos del Valle – ұ’s Mariachi Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary mariachi music as well as other traditional music from Mexico and Latin America. Performing in a musical ensemble is rewarding, but can be costly, which limits access for students who wish to join the ensemble but do not have the financial resources to do so.
Phoenix Promise is a commitment to Phoenix high school students to make college affordable and attainable. The program supports eligible Phoenix high school graduates with demonstrated financial needs and who do not receive Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds or other scholarships sufficient to cover the full cost of attending community college.
“In every student’s journey, there are moments when the right support can make all the difference. The EmpowerED for Student Success Campaign embodies our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no barrier prevents students from achieving their dreams,” said Dr. Kimberly Britt, President of ұ. “Through the generosity of our community, we are not just investing in education—we are investing in the future of our students, workforce, and community.”
As part of the EmpowerED campaign, ұ received an inaugural gift of $200,000 from Gail and William Jamieson, nurturing the next generation of artistic talent through an endowed scholarship – providing support for tuition and educational supplies – in perpetuity. Read the inaugural gift story and .
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors who support ұ students and programs. Your contributions make a significant difference in students’ lives; we are empowered to focus on learning and prepare for our careers.” – ұ Student Senator Pamela Smith.
To learn more about ұ’s fundraising initiatives, visit phoenixcollege.edu/giving/giving-priorities. To read the case for support, view each college’s greatest needs, and make a charitable, tax-deductible donation, visit .
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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 to learn more.
About ұ
ұ is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Established in 1920, ұ offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfers, certificates, and short-term job training. ұ now offers two bachelor's degree programs to better serve the needs of the community and workforce.
Media Contact: Christy Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu / 602-285-7652 / phoenixcollege.edu