This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce has named Scottsdale Community College (SCC) as a finalist for the 35th Annual Sterling Awards in the Big Business category, which recognizes Scottsdale businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and community stewardship.
SCC was selected based on its community impact, organizational culture, unique student offerings, and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. The college is also unique in that -- through a historic partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community -- it is the only two-year public higher education institution nationwide located on Native American land.
The value SCC brings to its students was a primary reason for its nomination. Between its low-cost tuition, intimate class sizes, and expert faculty, students pursuing any of the more than 100 academic programs can do so knowing they are getting a high-quality education for an affordable price. Based on a survey of SCC alumni between 2015 and 2019, 91% of respondents replied that SCC prepared them for the job in their preferred field.
That value lets SCC contribute significantly to the overall economic health of Scottsdale by increasing consumer spending in the area while also supplying a consistent talent pool to the workforce. For every dollar of public money invested in SCC, taxpayers can expect to receive a cumulative value of $4.90 throughout the students’ working lives, according to EMSI. Furthermore, SCC enriches the lives of its students by increasing their lifetime earning potential, developing their self-confidence, and helping them to achieve their personal potential.
“SCC’s faculty, staff, and students are what make this place so special,” says SCC Interim President Chris Haines. “Being named a finalist for the prestigious Sterling Awards is a commendation on all they do to make our college Scottsdale’s premier education destination.”
SCC was also recognized for its friendly and collaborative work environment that offers meaningful career opportunities, competitive compensation, extensive benefits package, tuition assistance, and various professional and personal development opportunities.
And as the nature of higher education continues to change, SCC has adapted to meet students where they are. This includes the introduction of an 8-week class delivery model in high-demand fields, allowing students to complete courses and programs in shorter periods of time, often while working full-time.
SCC is nominated as a finalist alongside Octane Raceway and Reputation.com. The honoree will be announced on Friday, November 19 at a luncheon hosted by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, held at the Embassy Suites Scottsdale. For more information, visit scottsdalechamber.com/sterlingawards.