Rio Salado College

08/19/2026

This week we kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with our Welcome Back Ice Cream Social — also our very first Terrific Tuesday of the semester! The theme was Rio Pride, and colleagues showed up in their favorite Rio shirts and hats to celebrate.

The Executive Team traded their desks for aprons, serving up ice cream treats at the Rio Café. It was a sweet opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, catch up after the summer break, and gear up for the academic year ahead.

From scooping sundaes and loading up at the toppings bar to sharing laughs and conversation over ice cream — the energy and community spirit were on full display. We can't wait to see you all again next Terrific Tuesday!

08/19/2026

Need a little help to pay for your classes? Applications for the Maricopa Promise Scholarship are now open. Find out more about this first-come, first-serve opportunity on our blog.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/applications-maricopa-promise-scholarship-are-now-open

08/18/2026

AI isn't just changing how students learn. It could change how colleges measure what students are prepared to do. 🤖🎓

Rio Salado College is partnering with Axim Collaborative on an 18-month initiative exploring AI-enabled assessments designed to measure real-world skills such as critical thinking, communication, ethical decision-making and problem-solving.

At Rio, faculty are exploring possibilities including AI coaching for student presentations, simulations that help future teachers practice challenging parent conversations, and realistic scenarios that allow health sciences students to strengthen patient communication and clinical reasoning.

The goal? Move beyond measuring what students know to better demonstrate the skills they can apply in their careers.

Read the full story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/new-partnership-bring-ai-innovation-rio-salado-classrooms

08/18/2026

Could the future of Arizona construction be 3D printed? 🏗️

A new episode of Rio Salado College’s Wave Makers podcast explores how 3D printing technology could help address Arizona’s construction workforce shortage while creating new career opportunities in coding, robotics, computer-aided design and materials management.

Rio Salado is working with Alquist and local partners, including Tempe Chamber of Commerce and City of Tempe Government to help connect education, emerging technology and workforce needs.

Read the full story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/3d-printing-could-help-build-arizonas-construction-workforce

Discover how Rio Salado College and Alquist 3D are exploring 3D printing education and workforce training to prepare students for emerging construction careers in Arizona.

08/13/2026

Rio Salado College President Kate Smith has been elected to the board of the American Council on Education (ACE). She will serve on the Council through 2029. Find out more about ACE and President Smith on our blog.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-salado-president-named-american-council-education-board

Maricopa Community Colleges City of Tempe Government

08/13/2026

It’s never too late to chase your dream. At Rio Salado College, our doors are always open. Pick up where you left off in your education or start something new. With our flexible class schedules and 40 start dates, you can get back on track when the timing is right for YOU. Day or night, our online classes won’t start until you log in.

Ready to register? Check out this page for more information:
https://www.maricopa.edu/welcome-back?fbclid=IwY2xjawSP7DdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNp0otc7U0jM7tMcx_5RyLFNEjn2EjzDMH82mcVEAVr2aVQkX2SSzqutY7DA_aem_qPkTLAgKikCV_0g-FVO3og

08/12/2026

💰 Build Your Financial Know-How!

Join Dr. Emily Schwartz for two fast-paced, fun, and informative workshops designed to help you build financial skills that can last a lifetime!

📅 August 18 | 2–3 p.m.
💵 10 Ways to Boost Savings
Discover 10 simple strategies to save more money—without making major lifestyle changes.

📅 August 25 | 2–3 p.m.
💳 Tackle Debt
Explore the factors that contribute to debt, learn ways to avoid it, and create a practical plan to pay it down.

These workshops are hosted by Rio Salado College Student Life & Leadership.

🔗 Ready to join us? Visit riosalado.edu/events and select the date you’d like to attend to RSVP.

Please help us spread the word—we look forward to seeing you there! 🌊

08/12/2026

We all know about how important vitamins like vitamin C and D can be, but do you know what pivotal role vitamin K plays when it comes to your health? For our latest Wellness Wednesday, we're exploring the importance of vitamin K.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/wellness-wednesday-lets-kick-it-vitamin-k

08/11/2026

Leadership starts with listening. 🎓

Rio Salado College psychology student Kelly Sukkha has been selected as the 2026–27 student representative to the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board, where she will help represent the voices and experiences of more than 100,000 students.

Drawing on her leadership with Phi Theta Kappa and extensive community service, Sukkha hopes to advocate for students while helping more learners feel seen, heard and valued.

Read the full story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-student-takes-seat-maricopa-governing-board

Maricopa Community Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa - Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter, Phi Theta Kappa Arizona Region, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

08/11/2026

Are you interested in becoming a teacher? Inspire young minds and help students with special needs by getting our bachelor degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. This dual emphasis program can get you ready for a rewarding career in teaching while saving you money with our affordable tuition rate.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/inspire-minds-tomorrow-rio-salados-bachelor-arts-degree-ba-elementary-education-and-special