Arizona runs on people, and Maricopa Community Colleges is in the people business. For over a century, alumni of the 10-college system have shaped and strengthened Arizona’s communities, economy, and burgeoning workforce. The impact is measurable: former students generated $7.1 billion in additional income for Maricopa County’s economy—equivalent to supporting nearly 87,000 local jobs.
Alumni in Action
From local teachers to vision-driven entrepreneurs, Maricopa Community Colleges alumni are addressing critical workforce needs in the communities they call home. Leaders like Latasha Causey began her journey at Glendale Community College. Through the Achieving a College Education (ACE) program, Causey earned college credit while growing her professional network. Now, as the president of Phoenix Raceway, Causey is the first Black woman to oversee a NASCAR track and works to introduce the raceway experience to children and teens through youth-focused events.
“Education is the thing that sets everyone apart,” shares Causey. “It's about what access you have and the affordability. A lot of the time, these programs can get you set up early for what you’re gonna do well into the future.”
Making Arizona Stronger
A growing economy requires a well-educated workforce. Since 2020, 65% of all jobs require some form of education beyond high school. In terms of postsecondary attainment, the state has made progress, with 44% of Arizona residents obtaining an associate degree or higher. Before anyone can step into the workforce-ready roles Arizona needs most, someone needs to teach them. The growing demand for qualified K-12 teachers is evident, as more than 4,000 teaching positions remain unfilled.
For Gabriel Relf, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2025 from Rio Salado College led him right back to where he started, teaching fifth-grade science at the same school he attended as a child.
“I do believe the future of Arizona starts with teachers; without teachers, nobody would really know anything,” shares Relf. “I believe that college being affordable for teachers makes a huge difference. If I hadn’t had the opportunity to attend Rio, I definitely wouldn’t be in the classroom right now.”
Maricopa Community Colleges offers two affordable education-focused bachelor’s programs, helping close the decade-long teacher shortage.
Arizona’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Throughout the state, small businesses create jobs, revitalize communities, and provide essential goods and services. Today, Arizona is home to more than 650,000 small businesses, employing 1.1 million across the state, making up 42.2% of the state’s private workforce. For entrepreneurs like Mike Spangenberg, CEO and co-founder of the iconic brand State Forty Eight, Scottsdale Community College provided the flexibility to balance work and education.
“The pride is where the passion comes from,” shares Spangenberg. “My experience as a college student led me down a path of really, truly going after what I really want.”
Through the State Forty Eight Foundation, the organization supports Arizona’s small businesses with grants, mentorship, and collaboration. The foundation has funded 54 small businesses with more than $187,000 in grants and hosted free events that attracted more than 4,400 attendees.
A Growing Need for Healthcare Heroes
From 2013 to 2022, Arizona’s population grew by nearly a million new residents. More residents mean a greater need for healthcare professionals. Last year, the state ranked the least prepared for the forthcoming aging boom. By 2030, it's projected that the state will have 35 nurses for every 1,000 seniors. As the state’s largest integrated healthcare education system, Maricopa Community Colleges is closing workforce gaps by offering more than 70 healthcare programs, including respiratory care.
Kimberly Moreno, a recent GateWay Community College graduate, is among a growing number of Americans changing careers—64% changed occupations between 2022 and 2024. She transitioned from pharmacy technician to a respiratory therapist, graduating debt-free in 2024.
“I feel like I change people’s lives every day,” shares Moreno, who works in a long-term care setting. Her personal mission to help others inspired her to return to college. “I felt it would be good of me to give back to the community,” continued Moreno.
The Power of a Credential
When a student earns a postsecondary credential, it’s not just them who benefits. Local workforce, government, and, of course, their families reap the rewards. When compared to high school graduates, students who earn a bachelor’s degree are 24% more likely to be employed. Furthermore, the annual earnings of an individual with a bachelor’s degree is 86% higher than those who only obtain their high school diploma. In addition to fast-track credentials and associate degrees, Maricopa Community Colleges offers 11 bachelor’s pathways in high-demand fields.
A stronger Arizona starts with Maricopa Community Colleges. Find out how the 10-college system is making college work for every Arizonan at maricopa.edu.