History of the Commnity College System By mablake1947 Jan 15, 1901 First Community College - Joliet CC (fifth and sixth year of high school Joliet Community College - initially a two year extensions of high school Period: Feb 15, 1901 to Feb 15, 2013 Community College History Feb 15, 1920 Liberal Art Programs Introduced General Liberal Arts Education Feb 15, 1940 Job Training Introducted into the ststem 1940's and 50's Feb 15, 1960 Major Growth years 1960's Forward Feb 15, 1963 Mesa Community College Feb 15, 1965 Glendale CC Feb 15, 1968 Gateway CC Feb 15, 1969 Scottsdale CC Feb 15, 1978 Rio Salado & South Mountain CCs Feb 15, 1985 Paradise Valley/ Chandler-Gilbert CCs Feb 15, 1999 Estrella CC Feb 15, 2013 Growth Continues with introduction of new programs.