Workforce 2 You, a program that provides job training to rural communities in Maricopa County, has received national recognition. The initiative was honored with the Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration Award at the 2025 National Association of Workforce Boards Annual Forum.
“Economic security starts with access to opportunity,” said Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2. “When we remove barriers and bring workforce training opportunities directly to residents in rural communities, we drive economic development and support families. This national award confirms what we already knew — Maricopa County’s commitment to rural workforce development is innovative and making a real impact.”
Launched in 2024, Workforce 2 You aims to expand career training for youth, veterans, dislocated workers, and other groups in Gila Bend, Queen Creek, and Wickenburg. The program addresses obstacles that prevent rural residents from accessing traditional workforce services by offering accelerated training at no cost. Training includes transportation and supplies as needed.
In its first year, 53 participants completed courses in healthcare fields such as Medical Administrative Assisting and Medical Billing and Coding. The program achieved an 81 percent completion rate, which is higher than the national average for federally funded workforce programs.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a $500,000 grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family to continue Workforce 2 You for another year. In 2025, the program will nearly double its capacity by offering eight classes for up to 96 participants. It will add manufacturing training alongside healthcare options—two sectors with high demand in Maricopa County.
“This award reflects the power of partnership in Maricopa County’s workforce development,” said Steve Clark, Executive Director of the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board. “It underscores our commitment to fostering strong collaborations that not only meet the needs of employers and job seekers but also drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen communities.”
The county’s Workforce Development Board collaborates with local businesses and educational institutions to create a business-friendly environment that supports skilled job creation. It focuses on industries like manufacturing and construction while advising county leaders on policy decisions related to employment.
The National Association of Workforce Boards advocates for regional boards across the country by connecting businesses with skilled workers. Its annual Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration Award recognizes successful partnerships advancing workforce goals.
Maricopa County spans more than 9,200 square miles with many rural areas where travel can be a barrier to job training opportunities. Programs like Workforce 2 You are part of efforts aimed at building a resilient labor force able to support economic growth throughout all regions of the county.
Education outcomes remain a challenge locally; according to state data from https://www.azed.gov/, only about one-third (36%) of students in grades three through eight passed the mathematics section on recent assessments during the 2023-24 school year (AASA), while just under one-third (33.9%) of high schoolers passed math on their ACTs during that same period (https://www.azed.gov/). These figures highlight ongoing gaps that targeted workforce programs may help address by preparing more residents for careers requiring specialized skills.
More information about services offered by Maricopa County Workforce Development is available at Maricopa.gov/WDD.
