News Summary
The Arizona Board of Regents introduces the AZ Opportunity initiative to enhance college attainment among young students. Concerns over lagging completion rates have led to collaborations aimed at increasing higher education access. The initiative emphasizes early outreach, partnerships, and investments to create better educational pathways, including partnerships with schools like Gateway Academy to offer college credit options. This effort is seen as crucial for economic growth and retaining local talent in various skilled sectors.
Arizona Board of Regents Launches AZ Opportunity Initiative to Boost College Attainment Among Young Students
Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Board of Regents has launched a new initiative called AZ Opportunity, aimed at increasing college attainment for young students in the state. This initiative comes amid concerns that Arizona’s college completion rates are lagging behind national averages, prompting educational and economic experts to collaborate on strategies that promote higher education access and completion.
During a recent roundtable discussion, Regent Gregg Brewster highlighted the need for early outreach to K-12 students as a vital strategy for enhancing college achievement. Brewster pointed out that incentivizing students to attain college credits will enable them to qualify for scholarships such as the Arizona Promise Program. This program specifically covers tuition and fees for low-income students who attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.
The AZ Opportunity initiative focuses on making investments and building community connections to elevate college attainment in Arizona. Brewster also noted that promoting higher education is critical for the state’s economy, emphasizing the importance of keeping local talent in-state through better educational pathways. This need for skilled workers is underscored by the state’s demand for professionals in sectors such as semiconductor production, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and welders.
In support of these educational objectives, Danny Seiden, president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, stressed the necessity of initiating career pathways earlier in students’ educational journeys. Seiden indicated that better communication around investment decisions in education and workforce development could significantly impact student retention in local industries.
An example of this initiative in action is the partnership between Gateway Academy, a private school for students with autism based in Phoenix, and Arizona State University. This collaboration aims to provide college credit options starting from eighth grade through the Accelerate ASU program. The program is designed to help students earn college credit and potentially obtain an associate’s degree or a certificate by the time they graduate from high school.
As part of this partnership, educators at Gateway Academy will receive training aligned with ASU’s curriculum, which will enable them to teach dual-enrollment classes beginning in July. This initiative is expected to offer students with autism valuable real-world experiences and career exploration opportunities, helping them to identify potential career fields that align with their interests and strengths.
The excitement around the new program is palpable, with students like Alex Marsh, a 10th grader from Gateway Academy, expressing eagerness to take college-level classes in computer systems engineering to better prepare for his future major. This eagerness reflects the overarching goal of the AZ Opportunity initiative: to inspire and equip students for success in higher education and beyond.
In addition to the AZ Opportunity initiative, Arizona’s education landscape is undergoing other positive changes. Recently, State Superintendent Tom Horne praised Mesa Public Schools for reversing a graduation policy regarding military regalia, enhancing student expression and participation in ceremonies. Furthermore, the IRS has confirmed Grand Canyon University’s tax-exempt status as a nonprofit institution, adding to the credibility of educational institutions in the state.
Meanwhile, concerns continue to mount regarding the financially troubled Isaac School District, which recently reported its recovery efforts to the Arizona State Board of Education. This highlights the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding education funding and resources in the state.
Arizona officials remain committed to boosting college attainment levels through these diverse strategies, understanding that higher education is a cornerstone for the state’s growing economy. With initiatives like AZ Opportunity, stakeholders aim to empower young students, helping to build a brighter future for Arizona’s workforce and overall educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Arizona Board of Regents Launches AZ Opportunity Initiative
- Tucson Sentinel: University President’s Opinion
- KTAR News: ASU Program for Students with Autism
- Higher Ed Dive: Arizona Senate Bill on College Funding
- AZ Family: Arizona College Students Fear Department Layoffs
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in the United States
