MESA, Ariz. -- July 8, 2021 -- Mesa Community College’s First Year Experience program (FYE), a supportive year-long engagement with first-year college students, is recognized as a Program of Promise by the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS).

The NOSS recognition is given to programs using effective and promising practices promoting student success and development. The MCC First Year Experience is identified as an exceptional program exemplifying the NOSS mission to assist education professionals in making a positive difference in the lives of students, as well as engaging in promising practices and demonstrating positive outcomes.

From left to right: Melissa Carpenter, Leanna Hall, Edwin Maldonado, Allison Sleigh, Pandi Bromley, Lindsey Pedersen, and Stefen Mercado “The First Year Experience team is excited to receive this honor from NOSS,” said Melissa Carpenter, director of MCC Foundations for Student Success. “We couldn’t have done it without our partners at TruWest Credit Union, who helped with FYE student scholarships, ambassador stipends and presented financial literacy workshops.”

MCC was recognized during the virtual NOSS conference June 17-18, 2021. Melissa Carpenter, faculty member Leanna Hall and former MCC learning facilitator Bianca Altamirano Kelly presented First Year Experience: Dealing a Better Hand to First Generation and Foundational Students session during the conference. The MCC team will be honored at a reception in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2022 when NOSS in-person conferences resume.

Learn more about the MCC First Year Experience program mesacc.edu (https://www.mesacc.edu/students/foundations-student-success/first-year-experience).

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawnzimmer@mesacc.edu, 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. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapi Peoples, 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) - https://www.hlcommission.org.

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 http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.