The future of affording higher education can be scary for some high school students and their families.
That’s why the city of Scottsdale is excited to announce its brand-new scholarship program, Scottsdale College Promise – an educational initiative that supports Scottsdale residents in achieving their higher education goals.
Scottsdale College Promise is a collaborative effort between the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Unified School District and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. This last-dollar, needs-based program provides financial assistance to eligible Scottsdale residents and graduates of Scottsdale high schools, helping them pursue higher education at community colleges within the Maricopa Community Colleges.
"Scottsdale College Promise represents our commitment to invest in the future of our youth as they pursue higher education," said Mayor David D. Ortega. "This program opens educational opportunities and encourages our young residents to later consider working at the city of Scottsdale."
The program is specifically tailored to benefit current residents of Scottsdale or graduates from a Scottsdale-based high school who qualify for in-county tuition, registration, and fees. While students are able to attend any school within the Maricopa Community Colleges, Scottsdale Community College serves as the anchor institution for the program.
“We appreciate the strong partnership among the Scottsdale Unified School District, city of Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Community College,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, SCC’s president. “The Scottsdale Promise Program is a great example of all of us coming together to support our students and our community. I want to thank city leadership for believing in SCC to help create brighter futures and greater opportunities for our students and families.”
As a last-dollar and stipend program, Scottsdale Promise provides financial support after all other grants and scholarships have been awarded.
Approved by the Scottsdale City Council through the Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget process, the program has been allocated $500,000 in seed funding, with an initial commitment of up to $100,000 for the first year.
"Future funding is contingent upon annual appropriations by the City Council, with a strong emphasis on the collaboration between the city, the Maricopa Community College Foundation, and other partners to secure private donations to sustain the program long-term, said Brian Spicker, President and CEO, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. "It's an investment that not only supports the educational aspirations of Scottsdale residents but will also work to cultivate a skilled and educated workforce to benefit the community for years to come."
Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel agreed.
“In SUSD, we pride ourselves on being world-class and future-focused, dedicated to ensuring our graduates are college and career-ready. We understand the significant financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education and appreciate the city's initiative to ease this burden through the Scottsdale Promise. This scholarship not only helps alleviate financial stress but also underscores our community's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for all students,” he said. “Thank you to the city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Community College for continuing to invest in our students’ futures.”
For more information on the Scottsdale College Promise, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, please visit Scottsdale Promise.
Several Scottsdale City Council members served on the Joint Subcommittee on Education – the group that sparked this initiative. Here are their remarks:
“One of my first actions upon getting elected in 2020 was helping to create an education subcommittee that linked the city with our education partners to find areas of mutual benefit for the city, the schools, and our entire community. We’ve been meeting every quarter, and the Scottsdale College Promise is a concrete example of the great work being done,” Councilwoman Tammy Caputi said. “This collaborative partnership with our education providers enhances lifelong learning opportunities and furthers the community's role in supporting a positive educational environment that can contribute to a strong workforce and a vibrant economy.”
“I am passionate about higher education, so I enthusiastically support the Scottsdale College Promise. This program will help us to prepare a new generation for the challenge and promise of Scottsdale’s future,” Councilmember Tom Durham added.
“I applaud the new scholarship program, Scottsdale College Promise, which provides funding for Scottsdale students who cannot afford college tuition,” Councilwoman Betty Janik said. “This opens the door to opportunity to our deserving students. Education is the key that lifts us up to a better future.”
“College costs escalate each year, making it more difficult for many students to afford a college education, said Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield. “I’m glad our city can help Scottsdale students continue their studies at this higher level so they can achieve success in their chosen fields.”
“I’m thrilled to see this proposed scholarship turn into a reality. We are all more prosperous when we invest in education for our youth,” Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said. Helping our students reach their full potential is an idea become reality. Finding ways to ensure all our residents prosper is our helping each of our students reach their full potential.”
