- Peoria Unified School District
- Post-Secondary Planning Resources
- Two-Year Colleges and Technical Schools
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Community Colleges
Community college can be a more affordable way to start a four-year education or it can be a means to a technical certificate or two-year degree. Arizona has several public two-year/community college options. Students that take advantage of Dual Enrollment are already enrolled in college while in high school. After high school graduation, community colleges require a high school diploma or GED and students must take placement tests in math, reading and writing. February or March of senior year is a great time to complete enrollment information and placement testing. Students that have earned dual credit already have a community college transcript! Community colleges accept AP Test Scores as college credit as well. AP Scores and Community College Credit
Technical/Trade Schools
Technical schools are another option for those pursuing a trade. There can be many different schools to choose from, depending on the skill or certification level. It is important to research all schools. Take the following into consideration when searching for a Technical School:
- length of time to earn the certificate
- cost of program
- Do they offer job placement after certification/graduation?
- Do they offer internships?
- history of school (reputation)
Are scholarships and financial-aid available at these schools?
YES! Community colleges and Technical/trade schools offer financial aid. Students should complete the FAFSA (check out the Financial Aid page on this site).
Maricopa County Community Colleges offer the Presidential Scholarship. If awarded, this covers full tuition for up to four semesters. Maricopa Honors Information and Presidential Application
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Maricopa County Community Colleges
Maricopa county has ten community colleges to choose from. In Peoria Unified, most dual enrollment is through Glendale Community College, Gateway and Estrella Mountain.
Information for all Maricopa County Community Colleges can be found at: Maricopa Community Colleges
Listed below are the Maricopa Community Colleges and their location:
- Chandler-Gilbert College - Chandler
- Estella Mountain College - Avondale
- Gateway Community College - Phoenix
- Glendale Community College - Glendale (also has a location in the north valley)
- Mesa Community College - Mesa
- Paradise Valley Community College - Phoenix
- Phoenix College - Phoenix
- Rio Salado Community College - Tempe
- Scottsdale Community College - Scottsdale
- South Mountain Community College - Phoenix
Arizona Community Colleges Outside Maricopa County:
- Arizona Western College - Yuma, AZ
- Central Arizona College - Coolidge, AZ
- Cochise College - Douglas, AZ
- Coconino Community College - Flagstaff, AZ
- Eastern Arizona College - Thatcher, AZ
- Mohave Community College - Kingman, AZ
- Northland Pioneer College - Holbrook, AZ
- Pima Community College - Tucson, AZ
- Yavapai College - Prescott, AZ
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The following are some resources to help you investigate Technical/Trade Schools and Apprenticeship or Immediate Work
Find My Arizona Trade School - search for a trade school
Maricopa County Colleges Trade and Skills Training - get certificates or an associates degree in trades at a Maricopa community college.
Arizona Job Connection - look for a job/post a resume
Arizona Apprenticeships - learn a skill through an apprenticeship (some are paid)
Fred G. Acosta Job Corps - for low income, ages 16-24 looking for a job