Apply by June 6 for funding from City of Tempe and Rio Salado College partnership
Army veteran Ruben Joseph has set his sights on graduating from Rio Salado College with a business management degree and then taking his education to the next level with a four-year degree. Marlyne Coronado-Hernandez is determined to finish up her Rio Salado education and pursue her passion to be a dental hygienist.
Tempe Promise is helping both Tempe residents chart their courses for the future.
Launched by the City of Tempe and Rio Salado College, Tempe Promise provides financial support to Tempe residents 25 years and older with a demonstrated financial need.
The program is designed to remove barriers to higher education and create pathways for adult learners to pursue degrees and enhance their lives. Importantly, the program also helps strengthen the local workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of Tempe.
Eligible students like Joseph and Coronado-Hernandez receive funds to cover some tuition and fees, along with expenses such as books, supplies and transportation. The program is currently assisting 15 Tempe residents at Rio Salado.
“I’m always on the lookout for scholarships because I am a single mom and I take full-time classes and I temp as a dental assistant,” said Coronado-Hernandez, 29, whose son is two years old. “I do whatever I can to try to get by.”
In addition to support for her tuition, the funds will help cover the cost of supplies such as gloves, masks and instrument kits needed as she works toward her new career.
Joseph, 27, is raising two children while going to school and working. He said help with tuition and expenses like transportation and childcare “is like a dream come true.”
“It’s piece of mind,” he said, as he prepares to further his education and plan for his family’s future.
The City of Tempe has invested $69,000 in federal funds to support the pilot Tempe Promise program; Rio Salado administers it throughout Spring 2025. Applications opened in January and the deadline to apply has been extended to June 6.
Tempe Promise is open to new, recent and current students. The program provides not only financial support but personalized student support such as financial advising and career guidance.
Learn more about Tempe Promise at riosalado.edu/tempepromise.
Contributed by the City of Tempe