Media Coverage

July 26, 2026 - Paradise Valley Unified School District hosted dual enrollment registration events to help students and families enroll in college courses offered through Rio Salado College while still in high school.

How Community Colleges and Partners Can Co-Design the Future of Higher Education and Work
July 22, 2026 - In a Phoenix Business Journal op-ed, Rio Salado College President Dr. Kate Smith explores how community colleges and employers can work together to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.

Five Community Colleges Launch Redesign Plans to Meet the Needs of a New Economy
July 20, 2026 - Rio Salado College is one of five community colleges nationwide participating in the Education Design Lab's Reimagining Community Colleges Design Challenge. By creating more flexible, technology-enabled learning pathways, Rio is making it easier for students to learn, earn credentials, and grow throughout every stage of their career.

June 23, 2026 - Girls Rule Foundation proudly celebrated the success of its 7th Annual Girls Change the World Summit. Each nominee was recognized as an emerging leader making a meaningful difference. All the nominees were celebrated at the Summit in partnership by Girls Rule Foundation, Rio Salado College and City of Tempe.

June 16, 2026 - Arizonans will soon have more bachelor's degree options through Maricopa Community Colleges, at a fraction of the price of a traditional university, including. Law and Legal Studies, (based out of Rio Salado College).

June 10, 2026 - Through Xavier College Preparatory’s partnership with Rio Salado College, more than one-third of the graduating class earned associate degrees through the school’s Dual Enrollment Program before receiving their Xavier diplomas.

June 4, 2026 - A 10-year-old Chandler girl is spending her summer break tackling college coursework while most kids her age are at the pool or playing video games. Ijeoma Uzoanya recently earned an A in her first college class through Rio Salado College and is now enrolled in English 101 — before most children her age have even started middle school.

May 28, 2026 - Maricopa Community Colleges offers several industries aligned programs, including a TSMC Apprenticeship programs at EMCC and Rio Salado that provides on-the-job training that aligns with related coursework.

May 21, 2026 - Semiconductor manufacturing is more than an industrial process. While the industry requires highly skilled technicians, engineers and scientists to drive innovation, 60% of new jobs will not require a four-year college degree, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association

May 18, 2026 - Kate Smith, EdD, serves as Rio Salado College's sixth president. She is a deeply passionate educational leader who advocates for student success on all levels and has a long track record of responding to student and community needs through innovative ideas.

May 8, 2026 - Maricopa County Community College (MCCCD) is tackling the state’s teacher shortage by offering scholarships and affordable bachelors degrees in education.

March 30, 2026 - League for Innovation in the Community College announces the 2026 recipients of the Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award, honoring two leaders whose bold thinking and courageous ideas challenge traditional assumptions and inspire transformational change.

March 24, 2026 - Partnership with Alamo Colleges District, Rio Salado College, and WCET addresses the social connection gap that leads online students to drop out.

Jan. 28, 2026 - Community colleges have traditionally served local students, but online programs are changing that. Fully online options are expanding flexibility and redefining how students access community college credentials.

Dec. 4, 2025 - While these high schoolers may act and look like typical teens, what they’re learning is not typically found in the traditional high school curriculum. Studying the inner-workings of semiconductors is generally reserved for college students studying STEM-related disciplines or employees in the industry receiving hands-on training.