Verde Valley News – 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.
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.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.