Prescott, Arizona (May 22, 2025) – Yavapai College is taking a huge step forward in integrating local workforce and economic development, in partnership with Yavapai County Supervisors.
Beginning July 1, Yavapai College will serve as the official One-Stop Operator and Title I-B service provider under the ARIZONA@WORK statewide system—further cementing the College and the County’s leadership roles in connecting education, employment, workforce development, and economic growth across the region.
As part of this new integration, a One-Stop Center will open at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus, joining existing locations in Prescott Valley and Cottonwood.
These centers will provide free services, including the services offered by the Department of Economic Security (DES), to all Yavapai County residents and employers, including job search assistance, career counseling, job training, and other workforce development resources.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the award and designation of Yavapai College as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I-B Program Provider and One-Stop Operator by the Workforce Development Board at its meeting yesterday, May 21.
“Yavapai County is proud to be part of a statewide effort that strengthens our economy by aligning education, training, and employment opportunities. Through the collaboration of the Workforce Arizona Council, the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board, and partners like Yavapai College, we are building a resilient workforce that meets the unique needs of our communities and local industries,” said Yavapai County Manager, Maury Thompson.“Our mission is to ensure accessible, affordable education that empowers our communities and leads to sustainable, living-wage careers right here in Yavapai County,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College. “Through this partnership, we’re building a stronger, more dynamic workforce for local employers and supporting the long-term economic vitality of our region. We need to diversify our local economy, and the goal is to align services and connect with other existing workforce development entities in the future.”
This partnership makes strategic sense on multiple levels. Yavapai College is already deeply embedded in the county’s economic ecosystem through its:
- Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), which provides labor market data, employer outreach, and customized workforce solutions. In 2024, the REDC served 850 job seekers, 239 employers, offered over 1,200 courses and programs, and held six job fair events in Yavapai County.
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers expert guidance, workshops, and resources to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. In 2024, the SBDC created 300 jobs, retained 196 jobs, helped start 106 businesses, and advised over 400 clients in Yavapai County.
As the premier place for higher education in Yavapai County, Yavapai College’s local economic impact is undeniable. The College adds $203.7M to the Yavapai County economy annually, and for every $1 that students invest in their education, they receive a return of $7.80 in future lifetime earnings.
Together with the new One-Stop Centers, these YC programs create a seamless ecosystem of support for both job seekers and employers, making it easier than ever to access tools for economic success, all under one roof.
The Yavapai County One-Stop system operates under a dual framework of oversight:
- At the state level, the Workforce Arizona Council sets strategic direction under the Governor’s leadership.
- Locally, the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board brings together a diverse group of leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies to ensure that programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of the county’s economy.
ARIZONA@WORK is Arizona’s statewide workforce development network, dedicated to helping employers recruit, train, and retain qualified workers, while supporting job seekers with a full range of employment services.
With seven campuses and centers across the region, Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four bachelor’s degrees, robust student services, and a wide variety of cultural events and community programs.
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