Business–Education partnerships deliver measurable workforce outcomes and expand opportunities for Arizona Students
PHOENIX, Ariz. — As students return to classrooms across Arizona, ElevateEdAZ, an initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, is preparing for another year of helping employers build the talent pipeline they urgently need by connecting students to meaningful career-connected learning opportunities.
With Arizona’s continued growth in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and high-demand industries, the need for a skilled workforce has never been greater. ElevateEdAZ works alongside employers, schools, and community partners to provide students with work-based learning opportunities like internships and industry tours, while supporting businesses to develop their future workforce.
“ElevateEdAZ is creating a direct bridge between the classroom and business so Arizona students are prepared for in demand careers that will power our state’s economic growth,” said Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. “This effort is strengthening our workforce while opening new doors of opportunity for students statewide.”
During the recent academic year, nearly 5,800 students at ElevateEdAZ partnered schools completed over 12,900 dual-enrollment courses, gaining early postsecondary credits that accelerate their time to completion.
Work-based learning remains a cornerstone of ElevateEdAZ’s impact. Last year, 489 students at partnered schools participated in internships with employer partners, gaining hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to high-wage, high-growth career pathways. These outcomes represent a clear return on investment for Arizona’s business community, ensuring students enter the workforce with both experience and the skills needed to succeed.
“These are not just after school jobs. These are real-world experiences that help students see a future for themselves and their families right here in Arizona,” said Jay Kaprosy, Board Chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. “Employers are gaining early access to emerging talent while students build confidence, a professional network, skills, and clarity about their career goals.”
An inaugural ElevateEdAZ survey of graduates it had placed into internships further highlights the program’s impact, revealing outcomes that significantly exceed statewide benchmarks:
- 81% of participants pursued postsecondary education, compared to 55% statewide
- 46% secured employment, compared to 26% statewide
- 100% reported one or both positive career outcomes following program participation, including aligned employment, postsecondary education enrollment, or both.
As industries such as semiconductors, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing continue to grow, driven by employers including TSMC, APS, Honeywell, Amkor, and Grand Canyon University, the demand for skilled, job-ready talent has never been more urgent. ElevateEdAZ is inviting businesses of all sizes and industries to partner with the program during the upcoming school year.
Opportunities for Business Engagement
ElevateEdAZ is actively seeking new employer partners to participate in:
- Paid internships, offering early access to motivated, pre-vetted talent
- Industry tours and guest speaking opportunities, connecting students directly with employers
- Job shadowing experiences, helping students visualize career pathways within Arizona companies
- Educator externships to give teachers an inside look at your industry and your talent goals and changing workforce requirements
Whether you are an employer, educator, or community member, there are opportunities to help shape Arizona’s future workforce. Together, Arizona’s business and education leaders can ensure students are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
###
About ElevateEdAZ
Launched in 2020, ElevateEdAZ prepares individuals for college and career through stronger alignment between education, business, and the community. ElevateEdAZ is focused on increasing the number of students completing high-quality education to workforce learning pathways that align with the needs of the industry and supports students in achieving industry-recognized credentials, attaining early post-secondary credit, and participating in capstone work-based learning experiences, such as internships and job shadows. For more information, visit https://elevateedaz.com.
About the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation convenes and catalyzes business, education, and community to enhance college and career readiness, develop a more robust workforce, and build healthier communities throughout Arizona. The Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, leads the charitable and education initiatives of the Greater Phoenix Chamber under the four pillars of education, workforce development, wellness, and research. For more information, visit https://phoenixchamberfoundation.com.