Scholarship Helps Rio Salado Business Student Pursue Her Goals
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Going back to college as an adult can mean finding a way to fit school into an already busy life.
For Rio Salado College student Nicole Dabbs, that means balancing college with a full-time career, family responsibilities and her goals for the future.
Dabbs chose Rio Salado because she needed a college that could fit into her life rather than require her to put everything else on hold.
“As an adult student who works full time and has family responsibilities, the flexibility of online classes made it possible for me to return to college and keep going,” Dabbs said. “Rio has also given me a lot of support along the way, and that has made a big difference for me.”
Dabbs works full time as a Lead Crisis Specialist with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, helping people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. She also has family responsibilities and other goals she is working toward.
Fitting college into all of that isn't always easy.
“I have learned that there is probably never going to be a ‘perfect’ time to go to school, so I make school fit into the life I already have,” she said.
Sometimes that means studying after work, working ahead when she has extra time or completing assignments in smaller sections.
Online learning has given her the freedom to make those choices, but Dabbs also knows that flexibility requires discipline.
“There is not always someone standing in front of you reminding you what needs to be done, so you have to pay attention to your deadlines and stay organized,” she said.
Her advice to other students learning online is to avoid looking at everything that needs to be done at once.
“My biggest advice is not to look at everything you have to do all at once because it can become overwhelming very quickly,” she said. “I try to break things down into smaller pieces and focus on what I can accomplish that day.”
Dabbs also encourages students to seek out scholarship opportunities to help pay for school.
She received the Clark Barton Memorial Scholarship through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation for fall 2026. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate strong entrepreneurial spirit and talent.
For Dabbs, the scholarship provided meaningful financial support while also recognizing the effort she has put into returning to college.
“Going back to school as an adult comes with financial responsibilities that don't disappear just because you decide to continue your education,” she said. “I work hard, support my family, and still have everyday bills and responsibilities, so receiving this scholarship took some of that pressure off of me.”
The scholarship also gave Dabbs a reminder that the work she is putting into her education matters.
“More than anything, it made me feel like the work I have been putting into my education was being recognized,” she said. “I am extremely grateful for it.”
Dabbs has already earned a business certificate through Rio Salado and is now working toward an associate degree in general business. She expects to graduate in May 2027.
“I chose to pursue business because I have goals beyond my current career,” Dabbs said. “I want to continue growing professionally, build businesses of my own, and eventually use what I learn to create programs and services that can help people in my community.”
Her long-term goals include creating programs and services for individuals and families who may be dealing with crisis, domestic violence, housing instability or other difficult circumstances.
“I want my education to help me move from having ideas about how I can help people to actually building sustainable programs and businesses that can do it,” she said.
Her education at Rio Salado is helping her build that foundation. Along with business and marketing skills, Dabbs says college has taught her more about herself.
“I am also learning a lot about myself — especially that I am capable of doing more than I sometimes give myself credit for,” she said.
Apply for 2026-27 Scholarships
Dabbs’s experience is a reminder that scholarships can make a difference for students balancing the cost of college with work, family and other responsibilities.
If you are currently enrolled at a Maricopa Community College and need assistance paying for your education, consider applying for a scholarship.
The Maricopa Community College Foundation administers scholarships for specific academic programs and colleges in the district. General scholarships are also available for students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications are now open for 2026-2027 scholarships. Students only need to complete one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships. The deadline is Oct. 31. Apply now!