Rio Salado College is proud to recognize the Education Design Lab (EDL) as its 2025 Hero of Education, celebrating a partnership centered on innovation, student opportunity, and community collaboration.
The recognition took place at the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation’s Heroes of Education Dinner on Nov. 13 at Phoenix’s Heard Museum. The foundation’s biannual event honors those whose personal and professional commitment expands access to education and allows students to achieve their academic goals.
A Partnership Focused on Innovation and Learner Success
Education Design Lab (known as “The Lab”) is a nationally respected organization that works with colleges and employers to design new models that help students gain meaningful skills for today’s workforce. Their learner-centered approach aligns closely with Rio’s mission to expand access through flexible, high-quality educational pathways.
Rio’s connection with the Lab began in 2022 when the college, along with three sister Maricopa Community Colleges, was selected to participate in the the nationally recognized Community College Growth Engine Fund. Through this collaboration, the college built and launched microcredentials that help students document skills for in-demand careers, as well as connect learning more directly to workforce needs. Earlier this year, Rio Salado was invited to take part in The Lab’s Redesigning Community College Challenge. This multi-year effort will explore how Rio’s current efforts are ensuring students have access to skills, credentials and career pathways to succeed in the ever-changing job market.
“When I joined Education Design Lab over four years ago, I was so excited to learn that Rio Salado College was one of our leading institutions to join the Community College Growth Engine program,” said Lisa Larson, CEO of Education Design Lab. “I had mad respect for the college's mission statement and ground breaking work in online learning and integrated student support.”
Combined, these endeavors with The Lab will lead to better outcomes for students, ensuring the college is meeting its vision to, “Empower learners everywhere through innovative education.”
Celebrating a Shared Commitment to Students
“Rio Salado College thrives with the support and collaboration of our community and business partners nationwide,” said President Kate Smith. “We are proud to recognize Education Design Lab for its continued innovation and partnership. Together, we are advancing the work of microcredentials and redesigning pathways that help learners gain the skills needed in today’s workforce.”
Rio Salado leadership and employees were joined at the Heroes of Education dinner by several representatives, including Larson.
“It is so inspiring that Rio Salado is committed to ensuring a stronger community for the community, its learners and partners,” Larson said. “I am proud to partner with leaders like President Smith and Vice President Janelle Elias who lead with curiosity, compassion, intention to lean into what is challenging and ask ‘how might we’ when it is easier to say, ‘not no.’”
In addition, Rio Salado extends its appreciation to event sponsors, Cizek Associates and Brainfuse.