News Summary
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation has announced the ElevateEdAZ pilot program in Southern Arizona, aimed at connecting students with high-demand, high-wage careers. The initiative will bridge education with workforce development through internships and partnerships with local businesses, focusing initially on Walden Grove High School and Sahuarita High School. By fostering local engagement and recruitment of career coaches, the program aspires to enhance dual enrollment rates and help students acquire industry-recognized credentials.
Tucson, Arizona – Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation Launches ElevateEdAZ Southern Arizona Pilot Program to Connect Students with High-Demand Careers
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation has officially announced the launch of a new pilot program under the ElevateEdAZ initiative in Southern Arizona. This expansion aims to create pathways for students to engage with high-wage and high-demand careers, while simultaneously bridging the gap between education systems and workforce development.
This strategic initiative, meant to bolster local business involvement, is designed to tighten the linkage between educational institutions and industry demands. The program is crafted to engage students through a spectrum of experiences including internships, guest speakers, and various career exploration activities.
Jennifer Mellor, chief innovation officer at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to broaden the program’s reach into Southern Arizona. The foundation aims to cultivate partnerships that provide students with accelerated career opportunities while ensuring the program aligns well with local workforce needs.
Program Details and Objectives
The ElevateEdAZ pilot program will initially operate within the confines of Walden Grove High School and Sahuarita High School, which serve approximately 2,300 students collectively. The program aims to significantly increase the dual enrollment rates and the attainment of industry-recognized credentials among participating students by facilitating access to vital work-based learning opportunities.
In collaboration with the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (GVSC), the ElevateEdAZ program emphasizes building connections between schools and local businesses. GVSC, a not-for-profit business association dedicated to fostering connections in the region, will play a crucial role in ensuring the alignment of program activities with the current needs of the local workforce.
Support Staff and Local Engagement
To effectively implement the pilot phase, the Foundation plans to recruit two college and career coaches, a regional director, and a Business Partnership Liaison. These positions are intended to ensure students receive proper guidance and support for their career paths. This staffing strategy will reinforce the program’s goals of enhancing college and career readiness for the students involved.
Community Significance
The Southern Arizona pilot program is viewed as a transformative initiative for the community. With increased engagement between educational institutions and local businesses, students will have real opportunities to explore potential career paths without leaving their hometowns. The program aims to facilitate an enriched learning environment that is tightly woven into the realities of the local job market.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The ElevateEdAZ initiative not only seeks to invest in the current education system but is also focused on nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators throughout Arizona. By reinforcing the connections between education systems and workforce demands, the program stands to strengthen the region’s economy while providing its students with the necessary tools to succeed.
For those interested in learning more about the ElevateEdAZ initiative and its offerings, further information is available on their official website.
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Additional Resources
- Signals AZ: ElevateEdAZ Launches Southern Arizona Pilot Program
- Signals AZ: ElevateEdAZ Expands to Southern Arizona
- Signals AZ: Working Together to Close the Skills Gap in Arizona
- Google Search: ElevateEdAZ
- Wikipedia: Career Development
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
