The Phoenix City Council approved $750,000 for Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation to support an education initiative.
ElevateEdAZ began as a partnership between the Chamber Foundation and the Phoenix Union High School District. The nonprofit foundation connects schools and businesses to better prepare students for careers and college.
During the last school year, the program reached students in five schools through job shadowing and internships, mock interviews and panels focused on growing sectors like cybersecurity, health sciences and skilled trades.
With the city funds, the foundation will expand the program to two more schools in the Phoenix Union District, along with Paradise Valley High School and a school in the Deer Valley Unified District.
According to a city report, ElevateEdAZ’s goals are “to increase the number of students completing high-wage, high-demand career pathways; increase attainment of industry-recognized credentials and early post-secondary credit; provide more students with opportunities to apply academics through work-based learning experiences; and empower educators with industry knowledge to align classroom learning with workforce needs.”
The foundation’s annual report says more than 70 businesses provided work-based learning, career exploration and career preparation opportunities for students and teachers.
