MCC student receives prestigious national community college transfer scholarship.
MESA, Arizona – May 5, 2020 – Mesa Community College student Abigaly (Abby) Atonal Rodriguez is one of 50 community college students to receive a 2020 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Selected out of nearly 1,500 applicants for the highly competitive national scholarship, Rodriguez receives up to $40,000 a year to complete her bachelor’s degree.
On being selected for the scholarship, Rodriquez said, “I take this success not just for myself but for all of the communities I represent. I continuously strive to honor my family's sacrifice and love, and have made it my career goal to ensure other students have the opportunity to pursue higher education. It is because of the support from my professors, staff and friends at MCC that I will complete my undergraduate work fearlessly.”
Rodriguez, a first-generation college student, plans to earn a doctorate in sociology and pursue a career focusing on student success for marginalized communities.
Scholars were selected based on academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, leadership and service to others.
“We know this is a very uncertain time for many students and their families. We remain deeply committed to supporting high-achieving community college students to ensure they have the resources to reach their full academic potential,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are excited to welcome this new class of Cooke Transfer Scholars to our community and looking forward to seeing the many amazing things they do as they continue on their transfer journey.”
Earlier this spring Rodriguez was named an All-Arizona Academic First Team scholar and a Guistwhite Scholar.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning throughout its 50-year history. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming the ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment or advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than 50% of its students are the first in their family to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and more than 30 out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.