Timeline: History of Community Colleges

1901

Nation's first junior college, Joliet Community College.

Joliet Community College added a fifth and sixth year of courses to a high school curriculum.

1920

Phoenix College established.

The first junior college established in Phoenix, originally known as Phoenix Junior College
https://www.maricopa.edu/why-maricopa/colleges/phoenix

1920

Few community colleges in existence that offered general liberal arts programs; enrollment low

1930

Community colleges began to provide job training programs throughout 1940s and 1950s

During the Great Depression (1929 - 1939)

Period: 1930 to 1959

Community colleges began to provide job training programs

This was a way to ease widespread unemployment.

1938

Phoenix College relocated to 15th Avenue and Thomas Road

This relocation was due to the Works Progress Administration (WPA: 1935 to 1943) under President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration. The New Deal agencies included nearly 40 Federal agencies. The New Deal was created to combat the Great Depression. The WPA, which was part of the New Deal was created to do public works projects (infrastructure, public buildings, public services).

1960

Phoenix College becomes part of the MCCCD

Formerly part of the Phoenix Union High School District and Junior College District and is known as the flagship college within MCCCD.

Period: 1960 to 1970

Number of community colleges and enrollments soared

Enrollment increased,1 million in 1965 to 2.2 million by 1970. as baby boomers come of age.

1962

Maricopa County Community College District began as the Maricopa County Junior College District

MCCCD established by approval of county voters.

1968

Gateway Community College, formerly Maricopa Technical College

1969

Scottsdale Community College established

Period: 1970 to 1980

Community Colleges become a major part of the American educational system

During this period, enrollment almost doubles from 2.2 million to 4.3 million by 1980. This increase was due to: 1) baby boomers continued to come of age; 2) more parents desired a post secondary education for their children; and 3) students sought draft deferment during Viet Nam war.