NE Valley Times

The future of affording higher education can be daunting for some high school students and their families. In response, the city of Scottsdale has announced a new scholarship program, Scottsdale College Promise, designed to support residents in achieving their higher education goals.

Scottsdale College Promise is a collaborative effort involving the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Unified School District, and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. The last-dollar, needs-based program provides financial assistance to eligible Scottsdale residents and graduates of Scottsdale high schools to 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 tailored for current residents of Scottsdale or graduates from a Scottsdale-based high school who qualify for in-county tuition, registration, and fees. While students may 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 collaboration between the city, Maricopa Community College Foundation, and other partners to secure private donations to sustain the program long-term," said Brian Spicker, President and CEO of 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 concurred.

“In SUSD we pride ourselves on being world-class and future-focused,” he said. “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.”

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for Scottsdale College Promise, interested parties are encouraged to visit its official website.

Several members of the Scottsdale City Council served on the Joint Subcommittee on Education that initiated this effort:

“One of my first actions upon getting elected in 2020 was helping create an education subcommittee linking city with our education partners,” Councilwoman Tammy Caputi noted. “We’ve been meeting every quarter; this collaborative partnership enhances lifelong learning opportunities.”

“I am passionate about higher education,” added Councilmember Tom Durham. “This program will help prepare a new generation for future challenges.”

Councilwoman Betty Janik expressed similar sentiments: “I applaud this new scholarship program which provides funding for those who cannot afford college tuition.”

“College costs escalate each year,” remarked Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield. “I’m glad our city can help students continue their studies at this higher level.”

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead concluded: “Helping our students reach their full potential is an idea become reality. We are all more prosperous when we invest in education for our youth.”