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Morrill Act
Signed by Abraham Lincoln, land was awarded to each state which could then be sold to fund colleges. This increased access to higher education for minorities with the idea that education is important for all. Universities established due to this act award more than half of all agriculture, education, engineering and physical and computer science degrees in the nation. These universities continue to make discoveries such as ways to reduces energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels. -
Phoenix College and NSF Partnership
Phoenix College was chosen as one of two colleges nationwide to participate in a project by the National Science Foundation designed to develop computer aided instruction. This program provided computer based English and math instruction. Phoenix College received 100 computers to help achieve the vision of 100 students working at the same time at their own individual speed. This helped build a foundation for online learning which has greatly increased the accessibility of education. -
Flores v. AZ
This case was filed by several students and their parents as a result of poor funding for programs for English Language Learners (ELL). This resulted in numerous findings and court proceedings over many years due to delays and noncompliance of the state, even going before the U.S. Supreme Court. This case helped shine a light on the importance of funding for ELL. Ensuring a quality education for ELL provides access and opportunities for ELL's to proceed to college and the workforce. -
Accreditation Approved for Another 10 Years for Phoenix College
The Higher Learning Commission recommends accreditation of Phoenix College for another 10 years. Accreditation is a means of ensuring quality for higher education. This is a requirement for any school which a student uses federal funds to attend. Thus, it is imperative for colleges to maintain accreditation in order to be able to serve students in the community who need to utilize funding programs in order to have access to an education. -
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
This tax credit, which was available from 2009 to 2017, was geared toward making college more accessible by increasing affordability for middle-income people who would not qualify for a Pell Grant. The credit was for $2,500 and would cover expenses such as tuition, books, room and board for college students. It was successful in increasing enrollment and, thus the skilled workforce in communities. The affordability of community colleges made them a good choice for this target group of Americans. -
Approval of General Obligation Bonds
Voters approve new bonds which award Phoenix College ~$55,000 for facility improvements. This provided funding for new buildings for the Fine Arts and Maintenance Services, improvements for the Hannelly Center, the Fine Arts building, the C science building, a new Student Union and upgrades in technology. These improvements allowed for better opportunities for learning to reach a wider base of students as well as the ability to offer more technology based education.