Lindsay Hansen
C: 480.205.6195
lindsay@ldhconsulting.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PHOENIX, AZ — ElevateEdAZ, an initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, is proud to announce its continued expansion into the East Valley, partnering with Chandler Unified School District—one of Arizona’s largest and most respected districts. Through this partnership, ElevateEdAZ will now serve Basha High School and Chandler High School, increasing the total number of ElevateEdAZ partner schools to 27 across the state.
This expansion underscores ElevateEdAZ’s mission to increase student access to high-wage, high-demand career pathways, ensuring every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life.
“We are thrilled to expand ElevateEdAZ into Chandler Unified School District,” said Jennifer Mellor, chief innovative officer, Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. “By partnering with Basha and Chandler High Schools, we are creating new opportunities for East Valley students to explore high-wage, high-demand careers while continuing our efforts of building Arizona’s future workforce.”
As part of the partnership, ElevateEdAZ has embedded afull-time College and Career Coach at each new school. These coaches will work directly with students to explore career opportunities, engage in industry experiences, and earn early postsecondary credit. In addition, ElevateEdAZ’s Business Partnerships team will collaborate with East Valley employers to provide internships, job shadows, and other work-based learning opportunities that bring classroom learning to life.
“Joining the ElevateEdAZ network enhances our commitment to empower all students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to excel in college, career, and life,” said a representative from Chandler Unified School District. “This partnership brings valuable career exploration and industry engagement in high-wage, high-demand careers, helping Chandler students graduate ready to thrive in Arizona’s economy.”
The addition of the Chandler high schools means ElevateEdAZ is now in 27 schools within 7 districts. ElevateEdAZ is on pace to serve XXX students in the 2025-2026 school year.
ElevateEdAZ Program Goals:
- Expand Career Pathways: Increase student enrollment and completion in high-wage, high-demand Career and Technical Education programs.
- Enhance Credentials and Credit: Support students in attaining industry-recognized credentials and earning early post-secondary credit.
- Connect Education to Industry: Provide students with real-world career experiences through work-based learning, including internships and job shadows.
- Strengthen Arizona’s Workforce: Build a robust state talent pipeline to attract and retain industries that create high-quality jobs.
- Encourage Collaboration: Foster partnerships among educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to drive systemic improvements.
- Empower Educators: Offer professional development opportunities, including externships, to equip educators with the tools to innovate and inspire.
This partnership continues ElevateEdAZ’s impactful work in strengthening the connection between education and workforce needs across Arizona.
To learn more about becoming a business partner or participating school, contact Linsey Fredenburg Humes, director of expansion at ElevateEdAZ at lhumes@phoenixchamber.com.
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About ElevateEdAZ
Launched in 2020, ElevateEdAZ prepares individuals for college and career through stronger alignment between education, business, and the community. ElevateEdAZ is focused on increasing the number of students completing high-quality education to workforce learning pathways that align with the needs of the industry and supports students in achieving industry-recognized credentials, attaining early post-secondary credit, and participating in capstone work-based learning experiences, such as internships and job shadows. For more information, visit https://elevateedaz.com.
About the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation convenes and catalyzes business, education, and community to enhance college and career readiness, develop a more robust workforce, and build healthier communities throughout Arizona. The Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, leads the charitable and education initiatives of the Greater Phoenix Chamber under the four pillars of education, workforce development, wellness, and research. For more information, visit https://phoenixchamberfoundation.com.
Follow Online:
Twitter: @ElevateEdAZ
Instagram: @ElevateEdAZ
Facebook: ElevateEdAZ
LinkedIn: ElevateEdAZ