Mccd

The History of Maricopa Community Colleges

By lemings

  • The beginning

    In 1920, as an addition to Phoenix Union High School district, Phoenix Junior College (PJC) is formed. This is the catalyst that would become Maricopa Community Colleges of today.

  • Junior College receives momentum

    In 1960, with the use of both federal and state funds, the Arizona Legislature, authorized the State Board of Directors to create the JC districts.

  • Phoenix College Joins MCCD

    In 1962 Phoenix College is the first to integrate into what is now MCCD.

  • The birth of GCC

    The land for GCC is purchased in 1962.

  • Mesa Community College joins the fun!

    In 1963 MCC hosts 330 students its first semester.

  • Mesa Community College receives a permanent home.

    Land for a permanent location for MCC is purchased 1964

  • MCC & GCC open campuses

    In 1966 both MCC and GCC open their permanent campuses.

  • The Artichoke's take root

    In 1967, the governing board approves a new school, Scottsdale Community College. Home of the best mascot in the world, the Artichoke.

  • MCCD gets technical

    Maricopa Tech College, later renamed Gateway Community College, opens in 1968.

  • MCCD has fun at night

    Night enrollment surpasses day enrollment in 1973.

  • Two new schools grow MCCD

    In 1978, both South Mountain Community College and Rio Salado College are approved.

  • A new Paradise

    After two years of local residents requesting a community college for their area, PVCC is approved for development in 1983.

  • Students can now climb the Mountain

    In 1984 Estrella Mountain Community college is approved.

  • Rio Salado rides the wave of the internet

    Launching MCCD into the online learning realm, Rio Salado begins offering online services in 1985

  • MCCD grows with the east valley

    Chandler-Gilbert Community College has groundbreaking 1986.

  • MCCD continues to grow along with the valley of the sun

    Keeping up with the expansion of the valley, in 1999, both Glendale North and Southwest Skills Center open.

  • MCCD climbs to new heights

    Mesa opens second campus, named Red Mountain in 2001.