At Pima Foundation, we often talk about removing barriers. It’s a phrase that shows up in our mission, our meetings, and most of all, in our students’ lives. We believe that higher education should be within reach for every dreamer, every working parent, every first-generation student, and every community member looking for a new path forward.
That’s why we’re so proud to share an extraordinary moment in Pima Community College’s journey.
Last week, the Governing Board took a bold and exciting step forward, voting to approve and submit the College’s very first bachelor’s degree for accreditation. If approved, this new Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary and Special Education will launch in Fall 202, and with it, the possibility of more bachelor’s degrees to follow.
This decision isn’t just about credentials. It’s about meeting a critical need in our state, where thousands of K-12 classrooms lack fully qualified teachers. It’s about answering that need with the heart of a community college that is accessible, affordable, and rooted in the belief of student success. It’s about preparing future educators who reflect and understand the communities they’ll teach in.
And it’s about people like Nick Armendariz, a Pima alum and student services specialist who hopes to enroll in the program. “I’ve always loved learning,” Nick said. “As I get older, I find myself more drawn to helping others learn. I believe I can do that.”
Nick isn’t alone. Many in our Pima community are looking for opportunities to grow, lead, and give back. This new program will help make that possible.
What makes this moment so special is that it reflects everything we value: access, opportunity, and meaningful change. It also reminds us that innovation can take root in familiar places with the vision of those who choose to believe in what’s possible.
To everyone who supports this work, thank you. Whether you give financially, advocate for our students, read our stories, or simply believe in the mission, we are grateful. These moments of progress belong to all of us.
We’ll keep you updated as the accreditation process unfolds. But for now, we’re celebrating a possible new chapter, one that opens the door a little wider for the next generation of teachers and leaders in our community.
To read more about this announcement, please click here.
