Title
Phoenix Promise Program with The Maricopa County Community College District Foundation Update
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee with an update on the Phoenix Promise Program.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
On Aug. 31, 2022, City Council authorized staff to contract with the Maricopa County Community Colleges District Foundation (Foundation) to administer the Phoenix Promise Program to offer scholarships to eligible residents for two-year and four-year degree programs at Maricopa Community Colleges.
The Phoenix Promise Program is funded by $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was started with the goal to support approximately 400 eligible Phoenix residents enrolled in a Maricopa Community College for a two- or four-year degree. Eligible individuals include those qualified for Federal Pell Grants or another acceptable income verified program who are either U.S. citizens or qualified aliens as defined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. The Program also provides student support stipends and wraparound academic support to boost enrollment and degree completion. Student awards began for the Spring 2023 semester and will conclude with the Spring 2025 semester.
As of the Jan. 24, 2023, add/drop date for the Spring 2023 semester:
- More than 800 students are participating in the Phoenix Promise Program.
- All participating students are enrolled in a two-year degreed program.
- Almost $800,000 in support services has been provided to participating students.
- The average tuition scholarship award is $300 per student due to the Program's design as a "last dollar" scholarship.
- A majority of scholarship recipients are first generation students.
- More than 35 percent of participating students are parents.
- A majority of students are enrolled at Phoenix Community College.
- A large percentage of students are enrolled in an Associate in Arts degree.
In addition to funding current participating students who will continue progressing toward their degrees, funding is available for additional students for the Fall 2023 semester. The City, community colleges, and Foundation will continue to promote the Program with an emphasis on recent high school graduates.
Contract Term
The contract term will expire Sept. 30, 2025.
Financial Impact
No impact to the General Fund. The $5 million for this Program is available through ARPA funds.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On June 7, 2022, City Council approved a budget of $5 million from the City's second allocation of ARPA funds to launch a tuition assistance program for two-year and four-year degrees. On Aug. 31, 2022, City Council authorized this Program and contract with the Foundation.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Acting Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.