Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is proud to join the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) and Maricopa Community Colleges in launching EmpowerED for Student Success, a three-year, $20 million fundraising campaign aimed at increasing financial support and removing barriers to help students attain a college degree and strengthen the state’s workforce. This bold initiative is a critical step toward ensuring that every student in Maricopa County has access to higher education and the opportunity to thrive in and beyond college.
“At PVCC, we believe education is the foundation of opportunity,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC President. “The EmpowerED campaign allows us to deepen our commitment to our students by providing the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Together, we can transform lives, strengthen families, and build a brighter future for our entire community.”
PVCC will work alongside MCCF and its sister colleges to raise funds in support of Paradise Valley initiatives including bachelor’s degree programs, arts/culture, and workforce training programs. The campaign focuses on four key areas:
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Scholarships and stipends to make education more accessible.
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Basic needs resources such as food, housing, and childcare support.
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Workforce development programs to prepare students for high-demand careers.
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Innovative programming to sustain College Promise initiatives.
“When we all come together in support of one common goal, our power and strength are that much greater,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “For many of our students, funding goes beyond just financial support—it’s a lifeline. This campaign brings each of our colleges and the Foundation together, supporting one strategy that we will achieve as a community.”
PVCC students have already felt the transformative impact of scholarships. Maria Leon Pena, a student in PVCC’s competitive nursing program with ASU, shared, “PVCC scholarships helped me prioritize my education, community engagement, and family care. I look forward to using the skills I’ve gained to advocate for patients in the healthcare field. Thank you for investing in such an important campaign—it will benefit every student who receives funds.”
Similarly, Khariah Clark, a PVCC student and single parent, emphasized the life-changing support scholarships provide. “Receiving scholarships has made attending college easier by lifting the financial burden off me. Knowing that my schooling is taken care of has made a world of difference for my experience.”
For over 30 years, PVCC has empowered students to achieve their dreams while serving as a cornerstone of opportunity for the community. Many PVCC students face significant challenges, from balancing coursework with family responsibilities to navigating the journey as first-generation college students. Your support through the EmpowerED campaign helps break down these barriers, enabling students to succeed and thrive.
Learn More and Donate:
To explore PVCC’s fundraising initiatives, visit EmpowerED - PVCC. For details on each college’s greatest needs and to make a tax-deductible donation, visit EmpowerED. Together, we can brighten futures, transform lives, and build a stronger community.