College Starts Now

What Is This?

Contact Us

Early College Programs
General line (480) 461-6200
Spanish line (480) 461-6106

Isaac A. Garcia

Community Outreach Coordinator
email: isaac.garcia@mesacc.edu

Location

1833 W. Southern Ave.
Building GC-54B
Mesa AZ, 85202

Hours

Regular Business Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8 am – 6 pm
Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Sun

Extended Business Hours:
(January and August only)
Mon-Thu: 8 am – 7 pm
Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Closed Sun

Summer Semester:
Mon-Thu: 7 am – 6 pm
Closed Fri, Sat and Sun

COLLEGE STARTS NOW is a summer program the first two weeks of June that prepares incoming high school students to develop a college-going mindset through self-awareness, career exploration and parent engagement.

What Does College Starts Now Feature?

Self Awareness

Self-Awareness - Students develop skills to improve their academic performance, set goals and choose careers.

College Exploration

College Exploration -Students explore the college campus and services while interacting with faculty and staff.

Career Exploration

Career Exploration - Students begin exploring careers through assessments and being inspired by interacting with professionals in a variety of fields.

Parent Engagement

Parent Engagement - Students will engage and learn with their parent(s) at workshops and a culmination event.

Do I Qualify?

  • Incoming 9th Grader (going in to 9th grade)
  • First Generation to Attend College
  • Single Parent Home
  • Underrepresented Group
  • Economic Hardship
  • Foster Care/Temporary Housing

How Do I Apply?

To apply to the program, you need to complete a College Starts Now (CSN) application packet. CSN presentations and distribution of application packets are available at the following Junior High Schools: Carson, Kino, Rhodes, Taylor, Smith and Gilliland Middle School.

You will need to complete:

*Recommendation forms must be filled by an adult who is not related to the student such as a teacher, counselor, or athletic coach.

College Starts Now studentsCollege Starts Now - Join us the first two weeks of June Application Timeline:

December – February

College Starts Now presentations and distribution of application packets at junior high/middle schools.

March

All CSN applicants will be notified by mail of whether or not they have been accepted into the CSN program

Parent workshops on knowing the college system, college and career exploration, college financing. Students and parents/guardians new CSN cohort orientation.