Co-authored by Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and Ron Mack, Workforce Development Talent Solutions Specialist, of Mayo Clinic
September is National Workforce Development Month and The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and Mayo Clinic urge businesses to help build a stronger talent pipeline for Arizona by offering work-based learning experiences to high school students. As the Greater Phoenix region continues to grow with industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tech, it’s crucial to prepare students for future workforce needs with hands-on learning opportunities like internships and job shadows. These experiences will help sustain the region’s growth and ensure a robust workforce for a more prosperous future.
Arizona’s future workforce is grappling with many obstacles, and we can all play a larger role in helping students who are eager to gain valuable work experience. Many of these students juggle multiple responsibilities, from supporting their families to holding down jobs, making it nearly impossible for them to secure meaningful internships. We need a more inclusive and supportive approach to ensure that all students can benefit from internships, regardless of their background or circumstances.
By breaking down these barriers—through providing transportation, wages, and additional support via initiatives like ElevateEdAZ and Mayo Clinic—we can help students prepare for their careers and build a sustainable, strong workforce. Paid internships are more than a learning opportunity: They are an important path to a career. In fact, college students who complete paid internships receive nearly twice as many job offers than students with no internship experience (1.61 vs. 0.77) and receive a higher first-year salary than those who did not complete an internship. ElevateEdAZ works hard to encourage employers to offer paid internships to set students up for long-term career success. Additionally, early investment in talent development has a direct, positive impact on Phoenix’s economic growth, and Mayo Clinic sets an example by lowering its intern age requirement from 18 to 17, proactively preparing students to meet workforce needs.
ElevateEdAZ, the education initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, has been preparing Arizona students for college and career success since its launch in 2020. By fostering stronger alignment between education, business, and the community, ElevateEdAZ partners with companies in high-demand, high-wage industries to provide students with work-based learning opportunities such as job shadows and internships. Additionally, the program recently launched a transportation initiative to provide free rides for students, addressing one of the key barriers to participation. ElevateEdAZ also advocates for paid internships, so students don’t have to choose between their current employment and pursuing valuable career-building experiences. With 21 participating schools and College and Career Coaches on each campus, ElevateEdAZ is dedicated to guiding students toward these life-changing opportunities which are not just vital for our students, but for the future of Arizona.
Mayo Clinic is a world-renowned healthcare institution dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, and offering top-tier medical education. As part of their commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals, they offer high school students paid internships designed to provide hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of early exposure to the medical field, Mayo Clinic recently lowered the age requirement for internships. This initiative allows younger students to gain valuable insights and skills at an earlier stage in their education. Comprehensive training and support programs ensure that interns receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
By investing in these programs, Mayo Clinic is actively contributing to building a robust and skilled healthcare workforce. Their internships not only prepare students for future careers in healthcare but also help to address the growing demand for qualified professionals in the industry. Through mentorship, practical experience, and a supportive learning environment, they are helping shape the future of healthcare, one intern at a time.
When we invest in high school students, we invest in the future of our local workforce. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, they enter the job market as reliable and sustainable talent. This not only benefits companies but also strengthens the economy, enabling Phoenix to continue its growth and prosperity.
If you are an Arizona business interested in learning more about how you can be involved with ElevateEdAZ, please contact our Business Partnerships Team at [email protected].
My View: Why it’s critical to Invest in high school talent for the future of Arizona