Olivia Bromenschenkel MESA, Arizona – June 2, 2021 – MCC Early College Academy students Olivia Bromenschenkel and Abbygale Gurr graduated from Skyline High School, as juniors, on May 20 having earned more than 30 college credits.

Both students enrolled in the inaugural MCC Early College Academy in the fall of 2019 and have successfully completed the required courses ahead of schedule, earning an impressive 3.8 grade point average on their college course work.

Gurr is returning to MCC in the fall to pursue an Associate in Arts degree. Bromenschenkel is continuing her education at Grand Canyon University.

Currently more than 70 students from Mesa Public Schools are participating in the Early College Academy program, offered at the MCC Red Mountain Campus. The program is available to students attending three Mesa Public Schools: Mountain View, Red Mountain and Skyline. Early College Academy participants enroll in college classes that meet both high school graduation and Abbygale Gurr college degree requirements. Participants receive personalized academic advising to foster success while progressing through the program as a group, providing a built-in, peer support network.

The MCC Early College Academy, the only program of its kind within the Maricopa County Community College District, is another avenue for Mesa high school students to attend college with minimal expense. Mesa Public Schools funds a majority of the cost of the program, $50 per credit hour, leaving minimal fees and expenses for participant families. Learn more about the Academy and other Early College programs at mesacc.edu/early-college.

# # #

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.