Thousands of graduates will feed the growing region
PHX East Valley (May 12, 2015) – Thousands of students will graduate from higher education entities in the Greater Phoenix area this May. As students order graduation caps and gowns, businesses in the PHX East Valley are preparing to hire the next generation of qualified workers.
Able Engineering, Intel, The Boeing Company, Wells Fargo and Yelp are just a few of the large companies that are headquartered in the PHX East Valley and are looking to fill employee gaps with smart and educated workers of the future.
Students have ample options when it comes to choosing a career path and the thinking process can begin as early as preschool. At the ASU Preparatory Academy, students are emerged in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while coupling critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving skills. Intel works with K-12 students and teachers to provide STEM curriculum, competitions, and online resources to encourage students’ interest and participation.
The Boeing Company also works with young students in a program called Engineering is Elementary (EiE). The program is built around the engineering design process, teaching elementary students how to solve problems systematically and create skills, optimism and attitudes important for their futures. In-classroom projects include designing bridges, water filters, lighting systems, biomedical devices, oil spill solutions, submersibles, electrical circuits and many more everyday applications.
Young students have a number of high school choices where they are guided to explore career paths that drive their passions. East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), provides students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market, is one option for students looking to train for dental careers, culinary arts, automotive technologies, robotic engineering and many others.
“It is wonderful to be part of a region whose large economic drivers are investing in future generations and providing impactful programs to fuel their knowledge and excitement for careers,” said Roc Arnett, president and CEO of East Valley Partnership.
Many Arizona State University (ASU) students work with Intel and Orbital ATK on special projects, which help build excitement for aerospace and technology careers.
Among the thousands that will graduate from ASU this year, approximately 54,706 just from its Tempe and Polytechnic campuses, making it the No. 1 contributor of high qualified workers to the region. However, not all students pursue a four-year degree or want to take on the financial responsibility that accompanies attending a university.
Maricopa Community Colleges District’s enrollment has increased as university tuition costs rise. Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salado College and Scottsdale Community College serve approximately 69,000 students per year and will graduate thousands while additional students will continue their education at a state university. Thirty-nine percent of students enrolled in the fall 2014 academic year have intent to transfer to a university after completing an associate’s degree program.
“Large organizations are finding talent in PHX East Valley which has helped them advance in their business growth,” said Arnett. “This growth has also helped a commercial and residential real estate recovery. Graduating students will add to the region’s development that has transformed local cities into bustling urban hotspots that demand a work and play environment.”
To learn more about PHX East Valley or for more information on how the region is growing, see the economic profile including stats and facts on everything from climate, to population demographics, real estate averages and education trends in the PHX East Valley.
About East Valley Partnership
East Valley Partnership was created in 1982 as a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, educational and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The partnership advocates areas such as economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, arts, behavioral health, and other important areas. For more information, visit www.evp-az.org.
