At a press conference today at GateWay Community College, Governor Katie Hobbs officially announced the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program.
Pinal County, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs in partnership with Arizona’s 10 public community college districts has created the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship program to help Arizonans earn a credential, degree or build advanced skills that lead to jobs in high-wage, high-growth occupations.
The scholarship is designed to provide Arizona students with the incentive to pursue a higher education certificate, degree, credential or license resulting in a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of the state’s economy.
Governor Hobbs has allocated $4.5M in EANS federal funding to get the program started with public or private funding helping to ensure the future of the program.
The Community College Workforce Scholarship program will provide financial support to students for the upcoming summer and fall semesters. It is projected that 9,000-10,000 Arizona students, including working adults, will be able to upskill or reskill. Through these scholarships, the state will move closer to reaching its Achieve60AZ education attainment goal.
"We applaud the initiative taken by Governor Hobbs to invest in the future of Arizona's workforce through the Community College Workforce Scholarship program. As future recipients of this scholarship, Phoenix College students stand at the threshold of opportunity, poised to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to our state's economy. We are committed to supporting them every step of the way, ensuring they have access to quality education and the resources needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Arizona," Adrianna Coronel, PC's Dean of Academic Affairs, said.
Scholarships are targeted to the following high-wage, high-growth sectors with each community college focusing on regional industries in the communities they serve.
- Advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors
- Health Care
- IT/cyber security/broadband/data analytics
- Education and early education
- Construction/trades/HVAC
- Aerospace/defense
- Veterinary technology
- Dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Tractor trailer driving
- Insurance appraisers
- Paralegal and legal assistants
Students participating in the Workforce Scholarship program are required to meet the following criteria:
- Have a 2.0 GPA or better.
- Meet with their academic advisor to review their academic plan and progress.
- Be eligible for in-state status for tuition purposes as defined by Arizona Law and the College.
- Be enrolled in or enroll in, a degree, certificate or credential program in one or more of the above high growth/high wage program areas.
Arizona's ten community college districts serve 250,000 students each year. The colleges participating in the program include Arizona Western College, Central Arizona College, Cochise College, Coconino Community College, Eastern Arizona College, Maricopa Community Colleges, Mohave Community College, Northland Pioneer College, Pima Community College, and Yavapai College.
For more information about the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program, visit https://arizonacommunitycolleges.org/ or email david@azcommunitycolleges.org.
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Phoenix College is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Established in 1920, PC offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfer, certificates and short-term job training.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.
Media Contact: Christy Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu / 602-920-8458 / phoenixcollege.edu