Enrollment at the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges is projected to reach 110,000 students this fall, marking a 15% increase over last year and the largest year-over-year growth in recent memory, according to the district.

The fall semester begins Aug. 23. Of those expected to enroll, 52% are the first in their families to attend college.

Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale is among the campuses seeing that growth. The college serves a large portion of West Valley residents, many of whom are first-generation students, and continues to expand programs in fields tied to the region’s workforce needs.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome a record-breaking class this fall,” said Dr. Steven Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges chancellor. “These numbers are a testament to the role we

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