Scottsdale Community College (SCC) students are starting stronger and sticking with their goals thanks to the college’s expanded First Year Experience (FYE) courses. The curriculum welcomes new students, connects them with advisors and tutors, and helps them build a clear plan from day one. Early results show students who complete FYE are retained at 24% higher rates annually than the overall cohort.
FYE is required for all new students at SCC and connects them early to advising, tutoring, financial aid guidance, their field of interest, peer support, and other free academic and student support services. Students can enroll in either one- or three-credit courses (based on their individual situation) to build academic plans, develop habits that support success and well-being, and learn how to utilize campus resources.
“The Scottsdale Community College campus has an unwavering commitment to academic achievement and completion,” says SCC President Dr. Eric Leshinskie. “When students start with their First Year Experience class, meet faculty and staff who plan for their success, and get help the moment they need it, they stay and they succeed. The momentum we’re seeing is real, and we’re going to keep raising the bar.”
Community college students often balance work, family, and school. FYE makes the first semester navigable, helping educate students on who to call, where to get help, and how to build a schedule that fits real life. SCC pairs that with proactive outreach so minor problems don’t become reasons to drop out.
For film student Malachi Johnson, the first hurdle was simply getting started and getting to campus. He commutes nearly an hour from Avondale, and as a first-generation American and the first male in his family on track to finish college, he felt intense pressure to succeed.
“I was working two jobs and felt lost. FYE helped me map my classes, find tutoring, and apply for aid. I’m still here and doing better than I thought I could.”
That changed in his FYE class with SCC instructor and Student Services Manager Tawni Rachel. “Tawni created an atmosphere of safety and warmth with snacks, stickers, and a real welcome,” Johnson said. “Because of FYE, I am prepared for college and have major support toward my career.” After FYE, he connected with the Career Center to refine an industry-ready résumé, and this year, he was elected to lead SCC’s student government. He also serves as Chair of the Council of Student Leaders and Chair of the Film Club.
In addition to offering the FYE courses, SCC is experiencing other notable gains in student success:
- Prior Dual Enrollment students in the new student cohort who had previously completed dual enrollment credits had a 12 percentage point higher annual retention rate than the overall retention rate.
- Course success rates across the 2024-25 academic year at SCC increased from 74.2% to 76.1% for non-dual courses.
- The RNL Student Satisfaction Survey was administered in the Spring 2025 semester. Campus climate satisfaction among respondents was reported at 77%, a 4-percentage-point increase from the prior administration in 2022.
- SCC served 11,777 students across the 2024-25 academic year, a 6.1% increase from the prior year.
At its core, SCC’s commitment to student success and retention is about people, not percentages. When new students feel welcome, make a plan, and connect with helpful resources, they stay on track and finish what they start.
Learn more about FYE courses at SCC.