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Nation's First Junior College
Joliet Community College in Illinois added fifth and sixth year of courses to a high school curriculum -
Phoenix Junior College is established
Arizona’s first community college, the Phoenix Junior College (now Phoenix College), was established. -
The Great Depression & Education
Community Colleges began offering job training programs to help with the unemployment rates -
The President's Commission on Higher Education
The Truman Commission reexamined the roles of community colleges and universities in post-war America. -
Growth of Community Colleges
Community Colleges began to grown nationally as baby boomers were entering college. Many new community colleges were being built. Student enrollment growth went from 1 million students in 1965 to about 2.2 million by 1970. -
Maricopa County Junior College District
Maricopa Community Colleges began as "Maricopa County Junior College District" -
Glendale Community College established
Glendale Community College was founded and joined the Maricopa Community College District. -
Mesa Community College is established
The Maricopa County Junior College District (AKA MCC) opened up the Southern and Dobson campus. -
GateWay Community College is established
The first technical college in Arizona is now comprised of Maricopa Skills Center and includes 3 campuses and 2 additional sites. The Maricopa Skill Center is referred to Trade and Technical Training Programs. -
Scottsdale Community College is established
In the Fall of 1970, Scottsdale Community College joins the Maricopa Community College District. -
New Name "Maricopa Community" College District
Maricopa County Junior College District updated their name to Maricopa Community Colleges in order to reflect and better represent the individuals in the community and student population. -
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Minorities
Minorities made up an increasing proportion of students enrolled in community colleges. In 1976, 20% of enrollees were minorities and in 1999, 33% were minorities. -
Rio Salado Community College established
In 1978, Rio Salado is founded and is 1 of 7 of the Maricopa Community Colleges. -
South Mountain Community College is established
SMCC was founded April 16, 1978 and joined the district of Maricopa Community Colleges. SMCC is predominately
populated with minorities and has been federally-designated as a Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. -
Chandler-Gilbert Community College is established
Chandler-Gilbert Community College was established -
Paradise Valley Community College established
PV was founded in 1985 as the Northeast Valley Education Center, a division of Scottsdale Community College and joined the district of Maricopa Community Colleges in 1987 as PVCC. -
The Nationwide Commission on the Future of Community Colleges
The Nationwide Commission on the Future of Community College Employer proposed the building of communities by encouraging colleges to partnership with employers to have facilities accessible for workforce training. The outcome of these partnerships created the certifications, Associate Degree candidates, remedial education services, and other courses that are designed to meet the needs of local employers. -
Estrella Mountain Community College established
Estrella Mountain Community College is the newest community college established to join the Maricopa Community College District -
Maricopa Community Colleges District Recognition
Four of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges were ranked in the top 50 for best colleges. SMCC #11, SCC #28, GWCC #33, and EMCC #34
