Maricopa Community Colleges

Nations First Junior College established

Jan 16, 1901

Exact start date unknown. Began as extension of high school

Phoenix Union HS District established Phoenix Junior College

Jan 16, 1920

Now known as Phoenix College

State legislature provided for junior college districts in AZ

Jan 1, 1960

Maricopa County Junior College District established

Jan 1, 1962

Established with the approval of county voters, acquired Phoenix Junior College

Mesa Community College

Feb 1, 1963

Began as branch of Phoenix College, was granted independent status in 1965.

Maricopa Skill Center established

Jan 1, 1964

Now part of GateWay Community College

Maricopa Techinical College established

Jan 1, 1968

Now Gatreway Community College

Scottsdale Community College established

Sep 1, 1969

SCC adopts Artie the Artichoke as school's mascot

Feb 1, 1970

Junior College portion of name changed to Community Colleg

Feb 1, 1971

Rio Salado Community College established

Feb 1, 1978

South Mountain Community College

Feb 1, 1980

Paradise Valley Community College established

Feb 1, 1985

Originally called Northeast Valley Education Center

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Feb 1, 1985

Originally named Chandler/Gilbert Education Center

Estrella Mountain Community College established

Feb 1, 1990

Top in the Nation

Feb 1, 2014

Aspen Institute recognizes six Maricopa Community Colleges as being among the nation's 150 top community colleges; Phoenix College, Estrella Mountain, Gateway, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and South Mountain.