Rio Salado College

10/15/2026

🌊 Rio Students: Your University Tuition Could Be Covered!

Planning to transfer to ASU, NAU or U of A? The 2026–2027 All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship could help make it happen!

Rio Salado College will select two eligible students to receive a full-tuition scholarship to one of Arizona’s three public universities!

Scholarship covers:
✔️ Two years of full-time study OR
✔️ Four years of part-time study

📅 Application Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time.

Currently enrolled Rio students, don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your educational journey!

📩 Interested in applying? Email Student Life & Leadership at [email protected] for application details and eligibility requirements.

10/14/2026

Every great story has a journey — and so does every leader.

With The Odyssey back in the spotlight, we’re borrowing a little of that spirit of adventure, discovery, and growth for our own leadership journey.

The Leadership Odyssey Series is a monthly opportunity to explore new ideas, strengthen practical leadership skills, and grow alongside colleagues across the college.

Whether you’re already leading, preparing for your next opportunity, or simply looking to strengthen your impact, every session is another step along the way.

Defining and Developing Your Leadership
October 21 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Leadership & Management + Leadership Philosophy and Growth Plan

Building Stronger Teams
November 5 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Building and Maintaining Trust and Psychological Safety + CliftonStrengths

Register through the Rio Events website: riosalado.edu/events

10/14/2026

Need help paying for school? There are financial aid options available that could give you the boost you need to get over a financial hurdle. Learn more about applying for financial aid and the importance of getting your FAFSA on our blog.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/what-you-need-know-about-financial-aid-and-fafsa

10/14/2026

🌟 Celebrating excellence in teaching at Rio Salado College!

Congratulations to our 35 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty honorees for 2026! 🎉

These dedicated instructors bring knowledge, creativity and care to their classrooms, helping students build confidence, overcome challenges and reach their educational goals.

Across a wide range of subjects and learning environments, their commitment to student success makes a meaningful difference in the Rio community.

💙 Join us in congratulating this year's honorees!

Read more about each recipient and what makes their contributions so special in Rio News.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-salado-recognizes-2026-outstanding-adjunct-faculty-honorees

10/14/2026

Education at Work welcomed intern applicants during an event Tuesday on the Rio Salado campus. Want to learn more? Paid internships are available for Spring 2027 for tax specialists Multiple internships are available. https://olivia.paradox.ai/co/EducationatWork/Job?job_id=P1-4591500-1

10/14/2026

Did you know trees play a huge role in our community's environmental health? 🌳✨

Our Alpha Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is diving into our Honors in Action (HIA) project! We’re researching how Tempe’s urban tree canopy has changed over time and whether enough is being done to protect and maintain our local green spaces.

We want you to be part of the impact right here on campus: Help us decide which tree gets planted at Rio Salado College!

🗳 Cast your vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTHvalEHKy2epeAO1paC_NDycwPolyA9CCSRsxPG1TgdTM6w/viewform

📚 Learn why undergraduate research matters: https://www.ptk.org/benefits/campus-involvement/undergraduate-research/

Stay tuned—we’ll be announcing details soon for our official campus tree planting event on Nov. 17!

10/14/2026

Did you know trees play a huge role in our community's environmental health? 🌳✨

Our Alpha Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is diving into our Honors in Action (HIA) project! We’re researching how Tempe’s urban tree canopy has changed over time and whether enough is being done to protect and maintain our local green spaces.

We want you to be part of the impact right here on campus: Help us decide which tree gets planted at Rio Salado College!

🗳 Cast your vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTHvalEHKy2epeAO1paC_NDycwPolyA9CCSRsxPG1TgdTM6w/viewform

📚 Learn why undergraduate research matters: https://www.ptk.org/benefits/campus-involvement/undergraduate-research/

Stay tuned; We’ll be announcing details soon for our official campus tree planting event on Nov. 17!

10/13/2026

One class at a time. One goal worth pursuing. 🎓💙

For more than a decade, Diana Loya balanced college with full-time work, raising two daughters and all the responsibilities life brings.

Sometimes she could take only one class at a time. Sometimes life required her to step away from school. But she kept coming back.

In May 2026, Diana walked across the stage as a Rio Salado College graduate, earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education! 🌊

Today, she's continuing her education toward a bachelor's degree while building on a career she loves as an early childhood educator.

Her journey is a reminder that there's no single timeline for reaching your goals. Every class, every return and every step forward counts.

💙 Congratulations, Diana!

Read her inspiring story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/one-class-time-rio-salado-graduate-completes-years-long-journey-associate-degree

10/13/2026

Our new Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies has received accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)! ⚖️

Designed with the flexibility of online learning, this new degree will prepare students for a variety of careers in the legal field, including opportunities to pursue licensure as an Arizona legal paraprofessional.

Registration begins Spring 2027, with classes starting Fall 2027.

We're looking forward to opening new doors for students pursuing their educational and career goals!

🔗 Read more in Rio News. https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-salado-maricopa-community-colleges-receive-hlc-new-bachelors-degrees

10/13/2026

📄 Upcoming Resumes & Cover Letters Webinar!

Make your experience stand out! Learn how to highlight your strengths, address employment gaps and create resumes and cover letters that get noticed. FREE templates included!

📅 Oct. 21 | Live on Webex
⏰ Choose from two sessions: Noon or 6 p.m. (AZ time)

Free and open to students, alumni and the community! Register to attend or receive the recording.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/events/key-steps-meaningful-career-resumes-and-cover-letters

10/10/2026

Upcoming virtual event: Getting in the Door: From Application to Hire

Join us for a candid conversation about the hiring process at Maricopa. This panel is an opportunity to ask questions, hear common myths and misconceptions, and learn practical tips for strengthening your application, resume, and interview approach. Panelists will share their perspectives, lessons learned, and advice to help you better understand the process and feel more prepared for your next opportunity.

📅 Thursday, October 29th
🕚 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
💻 Virtual
🔗 Register HERE: https://www.riosalado.edu/events/getting-door-application-hire

10/09/2026

Virtual Book Discussion
Thursday, November 5 | Noon–1:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of Shards of Silence, the first young adult novel by award-winning author Brian Lee Young (Diné).

The novel follows Derrick, a Navajo teen attending an elite East Coast boarding school, as a school project leads him to uncover his family’s history and his great-grandmother’s experience in federal Native boarding schools. Through Derrick’s journey, the story explores identity, generational trauma, healing and the importance of preserving and carrying family stories forward.

Participants are encouraged to read the book before the discussion. Copies may be purchased individually or borrowed through Rio Salado College Library Services. Contact Library Services for assistance accessing a copy.

This event is presented by the Rio Salado College Community Engagement Council, which supports community building, lifelong learning and transformational impact, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy at the District Office.

Register here: https://www.riosalado.edu/events/shards-silence-brian-lee-young

10/08/2026

Sometimes one class is all you need to keep moving forward. 🌊

For Eric Sartori, that class was online chemistry at Rio Salado College.

While working as an electrician, raising a family and pursuing a new career in nursing, Eric needed a chemistry course that fit his busy life. Rio gave him the flexibility to complete the class from home, even doing science experiments alongside his daughter! 🧪

Today, Eric is a nurse at Mayo Clinic, doing work that reflects his passion for helping others.

"One class can change everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s one class or a full program. They’re all stepping stones to reach your goals."

Read Eric's story and discover how one class at Rio became part of his journey.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/sometimes-one-class-all-you-need

10/08/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominate an outstanding alumni by 10/16/26.
Submit your nomination for the Rio Salado College 2027 Alumni Hall of Fame! Seeking graduates whose personal, professional and community achievements exemplify the spirit and values of the college. https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/nominate-rio-salado-graduate-2027-alumni-hall-fame

10/08/2026

🌟 Transfer Student Spotlight: Andrea Rubalcava 🌟

From Rio Salado College ➡️ ASU Online 🎓

Meet Andrea, an Educational Studies major with ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, graduating this Fall 2025 semester! ✨

💬 “My children were my biggest inspiration. As a mother of four, I wanted to show them that it's never too late to chase your dreams. I also wanted to break generational cycles and create new opportunities for myself and my family.” ❤️

Her involvement in student leadership and diversity programming at Rio Salado College helped her discover her voice and passion for advocacy. 🌎 That spark led her to Arizona State University, where she found a university that aligned with her purpose.
💬 “ASU’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and accessibility aligned perfectly with my personal and professional goals. Plus, the MyPath2ASU program made the transition seamless.”

Through , Andrea had the support she needed to succeed:
💬 “MyPath2ASU helped me stay on track, plan my courses, and feel confident that I wouldn’t lose credits. It gave me a clear roadmap and a support system that made the transfer process smooth.”

Now at ASU, she’s thriving:
💬 “I've enjoyed connecting with professors who truly care, participating in projects that align with real-world change, and being part of a community that values diversity and resilience.”

Andrea is also involved in Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and volunteers with the DALE Autism Awareness Project, using her leadership to empower others. 💪

✨ Her advice for new transfer students:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build your community early, and believe that your journey, no matter how nontraditional, is valid and powerful.”

After graduation, Andrea plans to work in curriculum development and community advocacy, focusing on accessibility and autism awareness in Latino communities — and later pursue her master’s degree.

💛 “I’m passionate about creating content that promotes healing, empowerment, and cultural pride within Latino communities… Healing can be a culturally rooted journey.”

10/07/2026

Thinking about dipping a toe in the water? Wondering if swimming is the right exercise for you? Dive in with us for our latest Wellness Wednesday as we wade through the health benefits of swimming.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/wellness-wednesday-swim-good-feel-great

10/07/2026

Deadline reminder! Turn in your application for spring scholarships today.

The Spring 2027 Scholarship Application is open!

To apply visit mcccdf.org/scholarship. Students should also check out mcccdf.org/scholarships for information including important resources, tips and frequently asked questions.

10/06/2026

Three kids. Two jobs. One big goal.

Tamara "Tee" Adams, an Organizational Management student at Rio Salado College. Between balancing work at Target, personal shopping gigs, and raising three young children, attending a traditional campus was out of the question.

By leveraging Rio Salado’s flexible online courses, Tee studies on her own time—from her laptop at home, local coffee shops, and everywhere in between. With support from a Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation scholarship, she’s building a path toward entrepreneurship and proving to her kids that goals don't have age limits or location boundaries.

Read Tee's full story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/three-kids-two-jobs-and-dream

Thinking about going back to school? You don't have to pause your life to start your degree.

👉 Maricopa Community College Foundation scholarship applications for 2026–2027 are now OPEN! One simple application puts you in the running for hundreds of scholarships. Apply today: https://www.mcccdf.org/scholarships/

10/06/2026

Rio Salado College and NACCE want to help launch your start-up business with the Small Business Pitch at Rio! Compete for grant-funded awards up to $2,000 for 1st Place!

🏆 Prizes:
• 1st Place: $2,000
• 2nd Place: $1,250
• 3rd Place: $750
• 4th Place: $250

📋 Who can enter? Open to ALL students (any major) currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours at Rio Salado.

📅 Deadline: Submit your application and pitch video virtually by October 19, 2026.

📩 Questions? Contact [email protected]

👉 Ready to launch? Learn more and submit your pitch today: https://www.riosalado.edu/rio-specialized-programs/small-business-pitch/small-business-pitch

10/05/2026

Submit your nomination for the Rio Salado College 2027 Alumni Hall of Fame! Seeking graduates whose personal, professional and community achievements exemplify the spirit and values of the college. Nominate by 10/8/26: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/nominate-rio-salado-graduate-2027-alumni-hall-fame