MESA, Arizona – April 23, 2026 – For the 25th consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program selected Mesa Community College (MCC) as a Top Producing Institution in the Associate’s Colleges category. 

Since the Gilman Program was launched in 2001, 62 Maricopa County Community College District students have received scholarships, 24 of which are MCC students.

“The Gilman Program has provided invaluable learning opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Mary E. Aldridge, MCC English faculty and Gilman Certifying Advisor. “Students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to study abroad gain the language skills and global experiences that broaden their academic perspectives and personal growth.”

The Gilman Program provides merit-based scholarships to American students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. These scholarships provide students with foreign language skills, international exposure and access to a global network. Since its inception, the program has supported 44,000 students studying and interning abroad.

This year, MCC students will study abroad in Athlone, Ireland; Florence Italy; and Nice, France. Though application deadlines have passed for summer 2026, you can learn more about MCC study abroad learning opportunities and begin making plans for summer 2027 by visiting mesacc.edu/study-abroad. Study Abroad opportunities are also available through other Maricopa Community Colleges: Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Scottsdale Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Phoenix College and Rio Salado College. Learn more about these offerings at www.maricopa.edu/study-abroad.

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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.