MESA, Arizona – Jan. 29, 2026 – Mesa Community College (MCC) announces a new scholarship for education majors: the AZ Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (AZTRAP). Offered in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, this scholarship is available to students employed as a teacher apprentice by an eligible Local Education Agency (LEA), including Mesa Public Schools.

Teacher apprentices are partnered with a mentor teacher and enroll in coursework at MCC. The coursework applies to completing an education program, offering preparation to teach elementary or secondary subjects. Currently, five LEAs, including Mesa Public Schools, are part of the pilot program.

The AZTRAP scholarship covers tuition, fees and instructional materials for courses in the degree program. Students that receive the AZTRAP scholarship award may also be eligible for vouchers that cover the cost of required state certification exam fees.

“The 2025-2026 academic year is a pilot year for the program,” said Megan Karns Garvy, Ed.D., chair of MCC Education and Reading Studies, who is coordinating the scholarships at MCC. “We are hopeful that this budding partnership will continue to grow and serve future teachers.”

Additional information about the program:

• Eligibility requirements: participants must be a declared education major, employed as teacher apprentices at an eligible LEA and enrolled in courses at MCC. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continuation awards. Apprentices must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED and hold a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints fingerprint clearance card.
• Annually, students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and AZTRAP scholarship application. MPS verifies the list of approved apprentices.
• The application period is currently open for the spring 2026 semester.

To learn more about the application process, visit mesacc.edu and search for AZ Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.