The Regional College Access Center (RCAC) is a partnership between the Metropolitan Education Commission, City of Tucson, Pima County, Tohono O’Odham Nation, and public and private K-12 schools, colleges, universities and community programs throughout Pima County. The RCAC mission is to facilitate access to and success in college for all Pima County students, with a special focus on students from low-income households or who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary education programs. Specific goals include helping students to:

Prepare for college: Increase awareness of college and career preparation opportunities provided by public and private elementary, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, and community programs available throughout Pima County.

Pay for college: Provide information on federal and state financial aid and a listing of scholarships offered by local and national organizations.

Graduate from college: Increase awareness of college and university transition and on-campus support programs designed to help students adjust to the first year in college, receive academic and social support, and guide students toward college graduation.

Develop workforce skills: Facilitate the access to career preparation resources, and promote the development of a highly qualified, diverse workforce.

In service of this mission, members of the RCAC work together to address the barriers related to higher education and workforce development. The College Center serves as a coordinating and referral agency providing information on college and career preparation, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.