Community Survey

The Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC) has a longstanding history of championing education and civic engagement for learners of all ages in the City of Tucson and Pima County. As we look to the future with the intention of a meaningful transformation, we invite your feedback to inform efforts to revitalize and strengthen the MEC’s role, advocacy and programs.

About the MEC

Establishment and Purpose of the Metropolitan Education Commission

In 1990, City of Tucson Resolution 15453 and Pima County Resolution 1990-178 authorized the establishment of the Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC). The resolutions identified numerous educational issues impacting the community and its citizens, addressing the interests of children, youth, and adults in Tucson and surrounding areas within Pima County. Recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach, the City of Tucson and Pima County jointly established and empowered the MEC to advise and make recommendations on educational matters affecting the welfare of local citizens.

The Commission was tasked with the following:

The Commission shall identify issues of economic and social importance to education, seek to frame and resolve these issues in a manner helpful to educational units and the public, and share findings with interested parties.

The Commission shall coordinate the work of the many agencies that support education by encouraging agencies and units to work together for the common purpose of enhancing the educational welfare of the citizens of the County and the City. These agencies and units include schools, religious organizations, businesses, social services, cultural organizations, health care systems, museums, libraries, the arts, and other organizations constituted for the educational benefit of the citizens of the County and the City.

The Commission shall articulate ideas, programs, and innovative practices in ways that increase access to the very best concepts and programs and ensure that the many agencies, districts, and organizations engaged in education are aware of the mission and work of other units, striving to achieve the highest possible educational benefit.

The Commission shall advocate for sound and wise educational policies, practices, and legislation, as well as for the commitments necessary to raise the County, State, and City to the highest possible levels of interest in, and support for, education.

The MEC was originally composed of 31 seats. Over time, the Commission grew to 39 seats. In 2024, seats were successfully reduced to 29 and in 2025 the Commission anticipates a final reduction to 24 members composed of:

Automatic appointments contingent on their employment:
- (1) Executive Director of the body as a non-voting ex-officio member.
- (1) Pima County Superintendent of Schools or a representative of their team.
Appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors:
- (1) member of the Board of Supervisors.
- (1) member from the Health, Community and Workforce Development, or Economic Development Department.

Appointed by the City of Tucson Mayor and Council:
- (1) member of the Council.
- (1) member from Housing and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, or Economic Initiatives.

Appointed by the Pima County Superintendent of Schools:
- (1) educator for children ages 5–10.
- (1) educator for children ages 11–13.
- (1) educator for youth ages 14–18.

Appointed by the body’s Executive Committee:
- (1) learner aged 16–21. (1) school principal.
- (1) public school district superintendent.
- (1) employed affiliate of JTED.
- (1) member from a local agency serving young people and children.
- (1) representative of historically marginalized communities.
- (1) representative of the religious community.
- (1) representative of a state-wide educational agency.
- (1) representative of an agency serving young professionals.
- (2) at-large members.

Appointed or assumed by Presidents of regional institutions:
- (1) member from Pima Community College.
- (1) member from the University of Arizona.
- (1) member from Arizona State University.
- (1) member from Northern Arizona University.

The Commission has historically vocalized support for or opposition to local, state, and federal educational issues, including but not limited too:

Support for adequate infrastructure for schools.
Support for ethnic studies programs across Pima County school districts.
Support for Tucson Parks and Recreation programs.
Support for the City of Tucson Tax Propositions.
Opposition to severe cuts to career and technical education courses.
Concerns about school resource officers' inquiries into immigration status.
Advocacy for financial and academic accountability in school empowerment scholarship accounts.

Automatic appointments contingent on their employment:
- (1) Executive Director of the body as a non-voting ex-officio member.
- (1) Pima County Superintendent of Schools or a representative of their team.
Appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors:
- (1) member of the Board of Supervisors.
- (1) member from the Health, Community and Workforce Development, or Economic Development Department.

Appointed by the City of Tucson Mayor and Council:
- (1) member of the Council.
- (1) member from Housing and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, or Economic Initiatives.

Appointed by the Pima County Superintendent of Schools:
- (1) educator for children ages 5–10.
- (1) educator for children ages 11–13.
- (1) educator for youth ages 14–18.

Appointed by the body’s Executive Committee:
- (1) learner aged 16–21. (1) school principal.
- (1) public school district superintendent.
- (1) employed affiliate of JTED.
- (1) member from a local agency serving young people and children.
- (1) representative of historically marginalized communities.
- (1) representative of the religious community.
- (1) representative of a state-wide educational agency.
- (1) representative of an agency serving young professionals.
- (2) at-large members.

Appointed or assumed by Presidents of regional institutions:
- (1) member from Pima Community College.
- (1) member from the University of Arizona.
- (1) member from Arizona State University.
- (1) member from Northern Arizona University.

The MEC has developed and managed several programs designed to empower learners, support educators, celebrate educational achievements, and foster civic engagement. This includes the following:

Pima College Access Network (PCAN)
PCAN empowers learners on their journey toward post-secondary education, driven by a commitment to service and lifelong learning. The network leverages a combination of directly employed staff, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers to provide the following services:
- In-Person Advising: Advisors meet with students at schools across the region, providing personalized support for navigating college and career pathways.
- Community Workshops: Free workshops for families and educators offer tools and resources on financial aid, scholarships, college applications, and career exploration.
- Office Appointments: Learners and families can schedule one-on-one meetings to address their specific needs, ensuring access to tailored guidance.

Peer Coaches
This dynamic program engages high school seniors to serve as AmeriCorps peer coaches in member schools of the PCAN coalition. It focuses on empowering underserved minority populations and fostering leadership in participants. Services include:
- College Application Support: Coaches provide one-on-one advising and in-school assistance to guide students through complex college application processes.
- FAFSA Assistance: Peer coaches deliver workshops, presentations, and individualized support to help students and families complete the FAFSA.
- Scholarship Guidance: Coaches help students identify and apply for scholarships aligned with their qualifications and needs.
- Financial Aid Verification Support: Comprehensive guidance is provided to ensure students understand and complete this critical step.
- Career Readiness Workshops: Sessions on career exploration, financial planning, and college admissions prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.

This collaboration with Arizona Serve also focuses on developing leadership and professional skills in the peer coaches themselves.

Teen Town Hall
Established in 1992, Teen Town Hall is a cornerstone of MEC's efforts to amplify youth voices. This annual event brings together high school students from across Tucson and Pima County for civic education and advocacy at the historic Pima County Courthouse. Highlights include:
- Dialogue Circles: Facilitated discussions address topics like mental health, substance misuse, climate change, educational equity, and civic engagement.
- Engagement with Elected Officials: Students interact with government leaders, gaining insights into policymaking and advocacy.
- Resource Networking: During lunch, students meet representatives from local agencies, youth employers, and post-secondary pathways, showcasing opportunities for civic-focused careers and education.
  Each participant receives pocket-sized copies of the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions to reinforce the principles of democracy and civic responsibility.

Youth Civic Fellowship
This transformative program, running from September to May, builds on the history of the Youth Advisory Council by cultivating civic leadership in teens. Fellows engage in:
- Educational Sessions: Focused on advocacy, public speaking, and understanding local government functions.
- Legislative Experiences: A day-long immersive experience at the state capitol provides first hand insights into lawmaking.
- Mentorship: Fellows receive guidance from seasoned leaders and engage in networking opportunities with key stakeholders.
- Scholarships: Participants who complete the program earn scholarships to support their continued education in public service fields.

Early Career Teacher Membership and Mentorship
MEC sponsors Tucson Young Professionals memberships for early-career educators, offering access to networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Additionally, a mentorship program pairs these teachers with experienced educators and administrators through a structured 12-week cohort model to foster:
- Personal growth.
- Professional development.
- Community impact through shared learning and collaboration.

EmpowerED Event
The EmpowerED Evening, evolving from the Crystal Apple Awards, celebrate excellence across all levels of education, from early childhood to post-secondary. Scheduled for May 6, 2025, categories include: Youth of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Outstanding Student Leader, Outstanding College Advocate, Outstanding Service or Program for the Community, Outstanding Student-Serving Financial Institution, Dr. June Webb-Vignery Lifetime Achievement Award and College Catalyst Cups.

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