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Junior Colleges Grow in Number
The first community colleges were called Junior Colleges. They were small schools focused on a liberal arts education with the goal of transferring students to four-year colleges. From 1909 to 1919, the number of Junior Colleges grew from 20 to 170. -
Phoenix Junior College is Established
Arizona's first community college, the Phoenix Junior College (now Phoenix College) was established. -
Shift in Purpose of Community College
During the 1920s and 1930s, the purpose of the Community College shifted from preparing students for transfer to developing a workforce, which was influenced by the unemployment during the Depression. -
Commission on Higher Education
The President's Commission on Higher Education was an important national document for community colleges. It established a network of public community colleges that would provide education to a diverse group of students at little or no cost along with serving community needs through a comprehensive mission. -
Maricopa Community Colleges Begin
Maricopa Community Colleges began as the Maricopa County Junior College District. -
Mesa Community College Begins!
Mesa CC began as an extension campus of Phoenix College in 1963. This building housed the library and the classrooms were in the basement. Today this site is a wedding venue. -
Southern & Dobson Campus Opens
Mesa CC opened its doors at its new location on the corner of Dobson and Southern. The campus opened with 26 portable classrooms. -
Community College Growth Continues
The growth of the Community College continued in the 70's as many enrolled to escape the Vietnam Draft. -
Mesa CC Enrollment sets records
MCC led all of the Maricopa Community Colleges in enrollment with a headcount of 14,674. -
Community Colleges: Access to Education for All
By the end of the 20th century, community colleges grew in their role in providing higher education to the first-time or non-traditional student. -
Red Mountain Campus opens
The Red Mountain extension campus in East Mesa holds its grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony. -
Student FTE tops 20,000
Student headcount for all Mesa CC sites tops 20,000
