Rio Salado Launches EmpowerED for Student Success

Rio Salado College is proud to join the Maricopa Community Colleges and Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation to launch EmpowerED for Student Success, a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $20 million by 2026 to remove barriers that prevent students from achieving their educational goals— and strengthen the state’s workforce.

Rio Salado President Kate Smith led the college’s launch celebration at the Tempe headquarters on Dec. 4, which she said is, “going to propel us with another giant step forward in our quest to make education accessible for all.”

Smith was joined by faculty, students, and community members to discuss how EmpowerEd is dedicated to providing “barrier busters” that can help new and returning students overcome obstacles that might keep them from pursuing or continuing education.

"When we all come together—with your help, with all of our community partners, our donors—we can provide emergency funds for groceries, diapers, bus fare, and other necessities for students,” said Smith. “The barriers that get in the way, that makes someone feel like they can't go to school anymore—these funds will help bust all those barriers for students so they can stay and they can complete.”

Reflecting on the college’s role in the community, Smith expressed her belief in the transformative power of education, "We change the world for good— one life at a time."

Rio Salado student leader Shaniqua Hopkins spoke at the event about the importance of these barrier busters. A single mother of seven children, Hopkins understands all too well how hard it can be to stay in school without financial support.

“These scholarships have alleviated the financial burden that so often stands in the way of pursuing an education,” Hopkins said. “Without the constant worry about tuition, books, or the need to take on a second job, I was able to focus entirely on my studies. This opportunity has not only allowed me to excel academically but has also inspired my children. My son, inspired by my commitment, has enrolled at South Mountain Community College, a step I never thought I would see happen.”

Working as a mentor to teen parents through her non-profit work, Hopkins has seen firsthand how one person's academic success can inspire others.

"I share my journey and the lessons I've learned, showing them that despite being a foster youth and a teen parent, they too can achieve their dreams," Hopkins said.

Rio Salado’s Development, Scholarships, and Alumni Relations officer Dr. Todd Aakhus also spoke at the event to outline the college’s fundraising priorities, which include funding for:

• Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships - supports students seeking one of Rio’s two degrees (Public Safety Administration and Elementary and Special Education)
• Jo C. Bennett/Student Assistance Fund - supports a Rio Salado College student when there is immediate financial support needed to prevent situations that may cause the student to drop out of college.
• Dual Enrollment Scholarships - provides scholarships and funding for a motivated, underserved population who wish to advance their college education and reach their academic goals.
• Greatest Need Fund - supports programs, projects, activities, scholarships, or initiatives that impact the college and/or its students.
• Incarcerated Re-Entry Technology - funding technology and program costs are crucial to expanding opportunities to help students gain the skills to successfully reintegrate into society and positively impact their communities.
• RioNXT/Open Educational Resources - supports increasing accessibility to the next-generation digital learning environment and resources to enhance student success.
• RSC Tempe Workforce - supports scholarships and program funds for eligible students pursuing workforce credentials.

We encourage you to visit Rio Salado’s EmpowerEd online portal to learn more— and how you can make a difference.

Article by Austin Brietta