Arizona runs on people, and Maricopa Community Colleges is in the people business. As the largest community college system in the nation, the number one provider of workforce training in Maricopa County, and the top pick for Valley residents, the 10-college system is embracing what it does best—creating unparalleled value and opportunity for the people who call Arizona home and help shape its future.
Impact Starts Here
For more than a century, Maricopa Community Colleges has provided access to affordable, high-quality education. The number of students who have earned a credential is likely in the millions, and each day, the impact of the system's graduates is felt throughout the state. During the 2023-24 fiscal year alone, the system’s alumni generated $7.1 billion in added income for the county’s economy, equal to supporting 86,720 jobs.
In the Lane of Influence
Like many Arizonans, Latasha Causey began her educational journey at one of the system’s 10 colleges, Glendale Community College (GCC), to be exact. Today, Causey serves as the President of Phoenix Raceway, becoming the first Black woman to oversee a NASCAR track in 2022. She credits the early college program, Achieving a College Education (ACE), for opening her eyes to a greater world of opportunity.
“Education is the thing that sets everyone apart,” said Causey. “It’s about what access you have and the affordability. A lot of times these programs can get you set up early for what you’re gonna do well into the future.”
For more than 30 years, the ACE program has served over 100 local high schools, helping students earn up to 24 credits by the time they graduate from high school. Data shows that 92% of ACE students graduated on time, with 72% transferring to a traditional four-year university and 48% continuing onto one of the system’s 10 colleges.
Making Arizona Stronger
When you’re as active in the community as Causey is, your track record tends to speak for itself. During her tenure as president, Causey has led international efforts to introduce the raceway experience to children and teens through youth-based events like STEM field trips and by partnering with local schools to provide NASCAR-themed curriculum. Since 2023, these meaningful experiences have impacted nearly 5,000 students. Other contributions include donations to non-profit organizations in the form of food and basic-needs kits.
“I feel like I make Arizona stronger by just being someone who cares about the community,” says Causey. “No matter my position or my title along the way, I have always been someone whose contributed back to this community that’s been so good to me.”
A stronger Arizona starts with Maricopa Community Colleges. Find out how we’re making education work for every Arizonan here.