April 20th is an important day in the Cannabis industry. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is celebrating 4/20 by expanding its Cannabis Business programs, which are eligible for financial aid, and with new scholarships awarded by Mint Cannabis Dispensary.
From March 2023 to March 2024, Maricopa County alone had more than 500 open positions in the Cannabis industry, according to Lightcast. Many of these roles required skills and training related to the Cannabis industry. Recognizing this need by local employer and workforce needs, SCC helped pioneer occupational training in this growing market space by launching the Cannabis Business Fundamentals program in 2020.
Based on demand and feedback from employers and professionals alike, SCC has expanded its portfolio of Cannabis Business certificate of completion programs to include:
Cannabis Business Advanced Entrepreneurship certificate (NEW) – This certificate is for students who wish to start their own Cannabis business. Students will earn both the Cannabis Business Fundamentals certificate and the Entrepreneurial Studies I certificate in addition to this certificate. Classes start with the Fall 2024 semester. 22 credits and available for financial aid.
Cannabis Business Administration and Management certificate (NEW) – This certificate is for students who wish to gain employment in an established Cannabis business. Students will earn the Cannabis Business Fundamentals certificate in addition to this certificate. Classes start with the Fall 2024 semester. 21 credits and available for financial aid.
Cannabis Business Fundamentals certificate (EXISTING) – This certificate is designed to provide students with an introduction to the Cannabis industry. Classes are offered currently. 9 credits and it is not available for financial aid.
“An educated-workforce is foundational to the Cannabis industry,” stated Dr. Bobra Crockett, SCC’s Cannabis Business Program Lead. “We are thrilled to have industry partners including Mint Cannabis Dispensary who have helped us design the curriculum and who have invested financially in our students’ academic journey.”
In a separate announcement, Mint Cannabis Dispensary is announcing a Higher Education Cannabis Scholarship that will benefit four SCC students in the amount of $420 each who are enrolled in one of these three SCC Cannabis Business certificate programs. (SCC’s tuition is $97 per credit hour for in-state residents, so this can pay for a 3-credit hour class and more.)
For more information on the scholarships and new certificates, send email to [email protected]. Donations to support the Cannabis programs may also be sent to Scottsdale Community College's Cannabis and Social Equity Program.
Learn more about each program here:
Cannabis Business Advanced Entrepreneurship certificate