Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges is announcing a partnership with Northland Pioneer College, which establishes a transfer pathway into one of the system’s 11 affordable bachelor’s degree programs.
This collaboration marks Maricopa Community Colleges’ first formal community college transfer partnership since launching its bachelor’s degree programs in 2023, according to a press release.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for our system,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges chancellor.
“Representing our commitment to accessible, affordable bachelor’s degree pathways, while demonstrating our ability to collaborate with our community college counterparts. What matters most is that students throughout the state will benefit from this new transfer pathway.”
Students who complete an associate of applied science in Behavioral Health Studies at NPC will now have a clear and efficient pathway to transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences offered at South Mountain Community College.
Ensuring students have an easy transition from NPC to one of the system’s 10 colleges, the agreement includes coordinated curriculum alignment, outreach, and student-centered processes.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to student success and workforce development across Arizona,” said Dr. Von Lawson, president of Northland Pioneer College. “By creating a seamless transfer pathway in behavioral health sciences, we are expanding opportunities for students in rural communities while addressing one of the state’s most urgent healthcare needs.”
Today, more than 2 million Arizonans live in communities without enough mental health professionals. In the next five years, Arizona will need over 2,400 skilled behavioral health professionals to meet workforce demands.
