TEMPE, Arizona -- February 12, 2018 ̶Mesa Community College (MCC) announced today they will be offering a Blockchain Technology Certificate of Completion (CCL) beginning Fall 2018, becoming one of the first community colleges in the country to provide a blockchain technology certificate program, preparing students for emerging high-tech careers.
“Arizona is at the cutting edge of innovation, and ensuring our workforce has the skills that today’s businesses require is critical to maintaining our competitive position,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “I applaud Mesa Community College for taking a leadership role and advancing this new Blockchain curriculum.”
A number of industries from insurance, banking, shipping, and e-finance have begun adopting blockchain technology to secure transactions and smart contracts.
“Maricopa is excited to be offering this innovative program at Mesa Community College to address our business community’s need for highly qualified employees,” said Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick, Maricopa Community Colleges. “We will continue to work with industry partners to address their workforce needs and develop future leaders able to innovate, address new problems and create new solutions.”
As a major resource for workforce development in the Phoenix area, Maricopa Community Colleges work with local businesses to develop courses that meet the current needs of industry.
“Arizona is quickly becoming a national leader in technology and innovation. I’m championing legislation that will pave the way for blockchain technology in our state because it is the foundation for the future of high wage employment,” said Representative Jeffrey Weninger. “In order to attract these companies, we need to ensure Arizona has a highly trained workforce and I knew there was no better partner than Mesa Community College to develop and implement the blockchain curriculum. By equipping students with the skills necessary to power Arizona’s burgeoning tech sector, we will develop a pipeline of talent that will attract high-tech companies and encourage entrepreneurial growth. I’m proud to work with MCC to cement Arizona’s reputation as the most technology friendly state in the nation.”
The first course in the certificate program, CIS109AM Networking Technology I, provides the basics of networking and Internet technology related to blockchain architecture. Registration for this Fall 2018 eight-week hybrid class begins March 19. Additional courses in the micro-certificate include blockchain fundamentals, a proof of concept course and an internship.
“The technology underlying blockchain is proving to be an effective tool for many industries,” said Sasan Poureetezadi, Mesa Community College Interim President. “Data indicates the demand for employees with knowledge of blockchain technology will continue to grow as industries adopt this cutting-edge technology. By being the first community college in the state to offer this certificate, we are helping students position themselves to compete for high-wage, high-demand career opportunities.”
Mesa Community College is proud to support the strength of Arizona’s economy by preparing students for a successful place in the workforce of the future.
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Media Contact: Matt Hasson, (480) 717-0208, matthew.hasson@domail.maricopa.edu
About Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District includes 10 regionally-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving more than 200,000 students with two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized 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 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the college.
The Maricopa Community Colleges do 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, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.