MESA, Arizona – Aug. 17, 2026 – Four Mesa Community College (MCC) students have been awarded paid internships through the Maricopa Information Technology Institute (MITI) providing real-world, paid experience applying the skills they learned in MCC’s Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technology program.
First offered in summer 2025, the internship program is the result of an innovative partnership between MITI and Jamf, a software company creating tools for managing Apple devices for schools, businesses, hospitals and other organizations to help them control and support all their Macs, iPhones and iPads from one central system.
“Students completing these training programs are eligible to apply for paid internship opportunities with our industry partners to further develop their skills in a professional setting,” said Carl Cortez, MCC Systems and Applications administrator-College Technology Services. “Internships last from 3-6 months and often lead to full-time employment.”
MCC is the only community college in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) offering a Certificate of Completion in Jamf Training Foundation through Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technology, a series of courses including Apple Device Support where students learn to support and troubleshoot Apple devices in a large organization. Jamf Training Foundation provides a core understanding of Jamf Pro and Jamf Protect and other platforms and includes a semester-long capstone course to get hands-on experience in MCC’s IT department.
“Students completing these training programs are eligible to apply for paid internship opportunities with our industry partners to further develop their skills in a professional setting,” said Andie Bonkowske, MITI program coordinator, MCCCD Office of Workforce Solutions. Internships last from 3-6 months and often lead to full-time employment.
“The goal of this program is to move students from training to real-world experience, helping them build industry connections and transition into high-demand technology careers,” said Cortez.
The four MCC internship recipients are:
Adrian Lopez, who served his internship with the Arizona State University Preparatory Academy (ASU Prep) and was recently hired by the academy as a Service Desk Technician I, Hybrid, for its IT department.
Valerie Figueroa, who served her internship with GateWay Community College’s IT department, will continue gaining experience with ASU Prep.
Minerva Capati and Connor Gray, who are currently serving remote internships with Jamf, headquartered in Minnesota with employees throughout the world.
“It’s exciting that Minerva’s and Connor’s internships are with the actual company that created the content for the Jamf Training Course,” Bonkowske added.
Internship placement, she pointed out, is not guaranteed and is ultimately at the discretion of MCC’s industry partners based on resume screenings, interviews and organizational needs. With grant funding, the program benefits these partners by allowing them to bring in skilled talent at no cost.
Moreover, Bonkowske emphasized that the program strengthens MCC’s connection to industry partners and reinforces the college as a leader in workforce development and Apple-focused IT training. “It creates accessible pathways for individuals to gain new skills, transition into new careers or advance in their current fields.”
MITI will sponsor an Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technology informational event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept.10 at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus (1823 W. Southern Ave.), in the Navajo Room. The event is free and open to the public.
“This exciting event brings together students, faculty and industry professionals to explore the future of enterprise IT and Apple device management,” said Bonkowske.
Attendees will hear directly from industry experts, discover in-demand career pathways and connect with professionals working in the field. Lunch will be provided. Register here.
More information about the Jamf Training Foundation and Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technology is available at mesacc.edu/workforce-development/miti.
# # #
Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO 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.