Arizona budget allocates over $28 million in funding for Arizona community colleges

PHOENIX — Arizona’s new state budget allocates millions of dollars for Arizona community colleges, helping to expand programs and scholarships for students.

The funding totals over $28 million. The largest chunks are going to Maricopa Community Colleges’ STEM program, adult education and the Arizona Teachers Academy.

Other funding will expand scholarship opportunities and dual enrollment courses.

Why budget is supporting Maricopa Community Colleges

The most significant program benefiting from the influx of funds is the adult education course, according to Lauren Armour, director of government relations for Maricopa Community Colleges (MCC).

The program, which received $6 million, helps adult learners without high school diplomas earn their equivalency and gain workforce training.

“Adult learners … go back and get their high school equivalent (through) programs that support them,” Armour told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Beyond helping students catch up on their education, the program also equips them with valuable job skills.

Armour said that without the full amount of funding, the program would have to reinstate its waitlist and remove some active students.

Why was budget funding essential for the adult learning program?

Another program benefitting from the funds allocated through Arizona’s new budget is a scholarship initiative for students in need.

“We worked very hard to establish the language for the Community College Promise Scholarship,” Armour said. “(It’s) sort of the community college’s version of the Arizona Promise, which is … focused on economically disadvantaged students.”

This is the first year the program will receive funding, with $900,000 allocated annually thereafter.

Additionally, MCC’s STEM program will get more than $8 million dollars for technology and advanced programs.

With the exception of the STEM program funding, all the allocated money goes directly to students, Armour said.

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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