MCC hosts events for local African-American high school students

MESA, Arizona – March 26, 2019 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) hosts events supporting college access and completion opportunities while presenting inspiring examples of success for African-American youth in celebration of Black History Month. Approximately 400 ninth- through 12th-grade students from Mesa and Tempe high schools are introduced to personal accounts of paths to success by members of the MCC Black Student Union, alumni from historically black colleges and universities, and African-American professionals within the fields of business, education, philanthropy and community advocacy.

The Mesa Public Schools (MPS) African American Conference, held Feb. 28, was developed in partnership with MPS. The event featured a keynote address by NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles, an MPS alumni. Coordinated by the MCC Black Student Union, the Tempe Unified High School District (TUHSD) African American Student Symposium takes place March 28.

Launched in tandem with the observance of Black History Month, both events feature presentations and workshops focused on life skills, higher education, careers -- including what to expect after high school graduation, financial literacy, self-care and pathways to gainful employment. Though featured guests and panelists are unique to each event, the goal is the same -- to inspire attendees through celebrations of African-American history and successes.

Younger event attendees are being encouraged to connect with the MCC Early College Office to learn more about opportunities to earn college credits, while completing high school.

“Participating in an Early College program such as Achieving a College Education (ACE) helps define college and career goals,” said Dr. Sonya Pearson, vice president of Student Affairs. “Research shows 92 percent of ACE students graduate high school with an average GPA of 3.32 and, while less than half of Arizona high school graduates go on to college, approximately 75 percent of ACE students pursue higher education.”

Find out more about Early College programs at mesacc.edu/earlycollege.

# # #

Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawnzimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the United States and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves 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 online and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body, including more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries, who enrich campus learning experiences. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

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

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2019