Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale Community College students are starting stronger and staying on track thanks to the college’s expanded First Year Experience courses.
The curriculum welcomes new students, connects them with advisors and tutors, and helps them build a clear plan from day one.
According to a press release, early results show students who complete FYE are retained at rates 24% higher than the overall cohort.
FYE is required for all new SCC students and connects them early to advising, tutoring, financial aid guidance, their field of interest, peer support and other free academic and student support services. Students can enroll in either one- or three-credit courses based on their needs to build academic plans, develop habits that support success and well-being, and learn how to use campus resources.
“The Scottsdale Community College campus has an unwavering commitment to academic achievement and completion,” said Eric Leshinskie, SCC president. “When students start with their First Year Experience class, meet faculty and staff who plan for their success, and get help the moment they need it, they stay and they succeed. The momentum we’re seeing is real, and we’re going to keep raising the bar.”
Student impact and campus gains
Community college students often balance work, family and school. FYE makes the first semester navigable, helping students know who to call, where to get help and how to build a schedule that fits real life. SCC pairs that with proactive outreach so minor problems don’t become reasons to drop out.
For film student Malachi Johnson, the first hurdle was simply getting started and getting to campus. He commutes nearly an hour from Avondale and, as a first-generation American and the first male in his family on track to finish college, felt intense pressure to succeed.
“I was working two jobs and felt lost. FYE helped me map my classes, find tutoring and apply for aid. I’m still here and doing better than I thought I could.”
Ms. Johnson credits SCC instructor and Student Services Manager Tawni Rachel for creating an atmosphere of support. “Tawni created an atmosphere of safety and warmth with snacks, stickers and a real welcome,” Ms. Johnson said. “Because of FYE, I am prepared for college and have major support toward my career.”
After FYE, she connected with the Career Center to refine an industry-ready résumé, and this year, she was elected to lead SCC’s student government. She also serves as chair of the Council of Student Leaders and chair of the Film Club.
Dr. Leshinskie said SCC is seeing measurable gains in student success. Among them:
Prior dual enrollment students in the new student cohort had a 12-percentage point higher annual retention rate than the overall rate.
Course success rates across the 2024-25 academic year increased from 74.2% to 76.1% for non-dual courses.
Campus climate satisfaction rose to 77%, a four-point increase from 2022, according to the RNL Student Satisfaction Survey.
SCC served 11,777 students across the 2024-25 academic year, a 6.1% increase from the prior year.
Ms. Rachel said the program’s impact goes beyond academics. “When new students feel welcome, make a plan and connect with helpful resources, they stay on track and finish what they start.”
