When I found out about the Gilbert Together Program, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I was let go from my job due to Covid-19 and the business shut down operation due to the Pandemic. During the Pandemic, I ended up getting Covid, as well as my whole family. Thankfully, we all recovered without any major problems. But, I was left thinking what am I going to do next as far as a job or career? Everything has changed and is different. My wife saw a flyer about the Gilbert Together Program and inquired about the details. After hearing that I could receive a college education free of charge, I was excited, yet apprehensive about applying. This could be the opportunity I was looking for-being able to get a college education in a program I have always been interested in but could not afford because we have kids that have to go to college-that's more important. I saw the Gilbert Together Program as an exciting opportunity. Covid had turned everything upside down and I was left without a job so I figured what better way to re-enter the workforce in a job I have always been interested in. I applied for Gilbert Together and was accepted. I am excited to be pursuing a career path in Crime Scene Investigation. I am in my second semester of classes. The support I am receiving from the Gilbert Together staff has been amazing! They have been a great support system for me. I get phone calls to see how I am doing and if I need help with anything, email reminders and they also help me set up my classes and assist with any other support I need. I can't wait to get out in the workforce doing a job I actually want to be doing! I am thankful Gilbert Together has allowed me to begin my journey of achieving a college education with a new career opportunity.

Struggling single mothers and parents in their late thirties may not qualify for other scholarships. Without the Gilbert Together program at Mesa Community College I this would not have been possible especially after our pandemic and the loss of so many careers, loved ones, grade school closures, child care costs, health benefits and businesses.

Thank you, MCC and the Town of Gilbert, for giving me the opportunity to show my boys what hard work and dedication, paired with the grace of others, it is possible to achieve your goals. Even during unprecedented times.
The Gilbert Together program made it possible for me to obtain ___training/certificate (AWS and accounting CCL) ___to improve my and my family’s situation. We are on a path toward self sufficiency and I am launching a new career in ___ I will be proud of -- allowing me to be the sole provider for my family.

This opportunity pushed me to work even harder, providing me with a sense of community and a deep sense of responsibility toward people I had never met who made my new, brighter future possible.

My sincere gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to obtain a higher education and launch a new career in accounting. Everyone involved is a
hero in my opinion -- my boys and I thank you and promise to pay it forward!

I was living on a university campus pursuing a Web Foundations certificate of completion when the pandemic hit. I struggled to balance the stress of the pandemic and the switch to learning online classes and had to move home.

Several members of my family of seven have pre-existing conditions. My whole family contracted Covid. Fortunately, everyone recovered, though the world as we knew it pre-Covid has not returned, including my plans for the future. My mother shared information about the Gilbert Together program with me; thinking it could serve as an opportunity to continue moving forward with an affordable education. Amanda with MCC walked me through the whole registration process. Amanda checks in to see how I’m doing and offers support. I’m now close to earning a Web Foundations certificate of completion and excited to have a new career option!