Written by Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and Dr. Kishia Brock, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the Maricopa Community College District
With the back-to-school season in full swing, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and Maricopa Community Colleges are proud to highlight the progress made in expanding dual enrollment programs across Arizona. Dual enrollment opportunities are essential for enhancing workforce development and strengthening Arizona’s economy. By allowing high school students to take college-level courses, dual enrollment programs provide them with a head start on their higher education and career paths. This early exposure to advanced coursework helps students develop critical skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the workforce. Moreover, dual enrollment can reduce the time and cost required to earn a college degree, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
ElevateEdAZ, an education initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, reflects the Foundation’s strong commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing students for future success. A key partner in this effort is Maricopa Community Colleges, whose collaboration has been vital to the initiative’s impact. Together, they have developed robust dual enrollment programs that enable high school students to earn college credits, providing them with a valuable head start on their academic and career paths. This partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring that students have access to high-quality education and the tools they need to succeed.
In collaboration with our school partners and Maricopa Community Colleges, ElevateEdAZ schools saw a 15% increase in dual enrollment registration during the 24/25 school year. One of the key drivers of this success is the $1,000 incentive for Arizona educators who become certified to teach dual enrollment courses. Thanks to a $950,000 grant from Helios Education Foundation, awarded to the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s ElevateEdAZ initiative, more than 60 teachers have received an incentive for teaching new dual enrollment courses, resulting in an increase in the number of dual enrollment classes offered. This program not only benefits students but also provides teachers with the opportunity to expand their professional skills while receiving additional compensation.
At the heart of this progress are the qualified instructors who make dual enrollment possible. These educators—1,305 currently serving across Maricopa Community Colleges’ partner high schools play a pivotal role in delivering college-level instruction to high school students. Their expertise, dedication, and discipline-specific qualifications ensure that students receive a high-quality academic experience aligned with college expectations. The results of their efforts are significant: 27,804 students enrolled in dual enrollment courses at Maricopa Community Colleges for the 2024-2025 academic year, and over 300 of those students graduated from high school while simultaneously earning associate degrees from one of the Maricopa Community Colleges. These milestones are not only individual student achievements but also indicators of the broader success of the dual enrollment program. Simply put, without qualified instructors, these outcomes would not be possible. Continued investment in recruiting and supporting these educators is vital to maintaining program integrity and expanding access for students statewide.
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, it is crucial that we continue to invest in and expand dual enrollment programs. These programs are particularly beneficial for low-income students seeking affordable pathways to higher education. By providing greater access to dual enrollment courses, we can help bridge the gap for students who may not have the financial means to pursue post-secondary education. Moreover, the demand for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is skyrocketing. These programs, which incorporate work-based learning experiences such as internships, rely on industry partnerships to provide valuable hands-on skills aligned with today’s job market. Strengthening CTE programs is essential to supporting Arizona’s workforce needs.
Meeting Arizona’s education and workforce needs requires a collaborative effort from teachers, business leaders, policymakers, nonprofits, and parents. By embracing a problem-solving mindset and uniting disparate efforts, we can better prepare for our growing economy and ensure that no Arizona student or working-age adult is left behind. As we embark on this new school year, let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in dual enrollment and CTE programs. Together, we can create a brighter future for Arizona students and build a stronger, more resilient workforce.