Striking a chord for educational accessibility, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Mesa Community College, and the City of Mesa have unveiled a fresh stream of funding for the Mesa College Promise program. This comes in the form of new billboards, which light up the sky with more than just advertising – they project the light of opportunity for Mesa residents seeking higher education. Expected to rake in $400,000 annually, these digital billboards stand as beacons on the Southern and Dobson campus, strategically capturing the attention of US 60 commuters.
Higher education, a gateway to upward mobility, is becoming less dream and more reality for many Mesa locals. The low tuition rates at Maricopa Community Colleges—recognized for being the most affordable in the county—contend strongly with the national trend of soaring college expenses. The Mesa College Promise is a testament to this effort, as it aims to nullify financial barriers by offering two years of fully funded tuition and fees for eligible residents, along with a bolstering system of support that spans from iPad loans to personalized advising. "These new digital billboards will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, and every dollar will go to the Mesa College Promise programhelping Mesa residents attend college tuition-free," Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman told MesaNow.
The program first launched in 2021 under the guidance of former City of Mesa Mayor John Giles and has since expanded its reach. Initially targeting recent high school graduates, the Promise Program now draws in adults 24 years and older, including those who’ve missed early educational opportunities or seek to uplift their current skill set. This expansion, realized in 2024, broadened the educational horizons for numerous Mesa dwellers, planting seeds for a flourishing future workforce.
Through the collaborative efforts and financial contributions from public and private sectors, the Promise has thrived—an investment enriching lives and, by extension, the Mesa community. "Education changes lives and leads to a more prosperous future not only for the student, but for their family and the community as a whole," Dr. Richard Daniel, President of MCC, expressed in a statement obtained by MesaNow. With over $1.07 million in private match funds and $430,000 from the City of Mesa, the Promise Program has already facilitated scholarships for over 800 residents.
For those interested in learning more or curious about eligibility, the details of the Mesa College Promise can be found on the MCC website.
