Progress Is Being Made

Achieve60AZ is a community-based alliance that is building support to help Arizona reach a goal of 60 percent of our adult population, ages 25-64, having a professional certificate or degree by 2030. Currently, more than 60 community, business, philanthropic and education organizations in Arizona have formed this alliance to make Arizona more competitive through the power of education.

College Success Arizona is building public will for college completion and providing a unique combination of scholarships and mentoring that increase college graduation rates among low-income and first-generation students across the state. Across student cohorts dating back to 2005, College Success Arizona scholars have a 71 percent graduation rate, nearly twice the state average. Learn more here.

EXPECT MORE EXCELLENCE TOUR

Great things are happening in education in Arizona and we want people to know about them. Countless students, educators, parents and communities are already working to raise the bar. Check out the following examples.

AGM uses their College Tuition Reimbursement Program to Improve Business performance

Tucson, AZ

College graduates earn more, contribute more to the economic well-being of their communities, and are less likely to face unemployment. Yet, only half of Pima County high school graduates pursue post-secondary education. One local business aims to change this grim statistic through an innovative college reimbursement workplace initiative. Perceiving the complexity of this educational, socioeconomic …

Submitted by Howard Stewart on 5/6/19

Gila Community College offering programs to grow local qualified workforce

Globe, AZ

Gila Community College (GCC) has been educating residents of rural central Arizona for more than five decades. With more than 700 current students at two campuses, the college understands the challenges faced by students in rural areas and the workforce needs of the community. GCC’s focus on workforce development has been critical to the region …

Submitted by Leitha Griffin on 4/11/19

Federal TRIO programs have widespread impact in Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In 1965, educational policymakers realized that the new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) wasn’t being utilized by populations that needed it the most – namely low income and first-generation college-goers. As a result, Federal TRIO Programs were developed to help youth on the path to postsecondary learning. Today around 2,000 TRIO are at …

Submitted by Michelle Thomas on 11/7/18

ASU’s Young Engineers Shape the World program inspiring students

Tempe, AZ

To encourage more women, first generation students, and underrepresented minority students to enter the growing field of engineering, Arizona State University launched Young Engineers Shape the World. Now entering its second year, the program is exposing high school students to engineering opportunities as a way to increase diversity in the industry. Bringing students with diverse …

Submitted by Lauren Preble on 4/16/19

Students of Maricopa Community Colleges retroactively earning associate degrees

Tempe, AZ

In one of the largest community college systems in the country, with approximately 200,000 students at ten colleges, a team is working in partnership with Arizona universities to ensure that students who earn them receive an associate degree. Thanks to a generous grant from the Helios Education Foundation, the Maricopa Community College District’s (MCCD) reverse transfer …

Submitted by Ted Bland on 5/16/18

Cochise College Named Second-Best Community College Nationwide, Works To Increase Postsecondary Attainment Rate

Douglas, AZ

Cochise College has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment and student success rate. In fact, the small community college based in Cochise County was named the second-best community college in the country in 2017. More than 700 community colleges all over the country were analyzed and ranked from worst to best by …

Submitted by Denise Hoyos on 4/13/18

Find more success stories here.

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