PHX Reporter

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Sept. 15.

Did you know the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity estimates nearly 330,000 jobs have been added to our state since last spring? It anticipates this strong job growth will continue over the next two years. As more companies relocate to Arizona and as Valley business owners look for ways to meet the growing workforce demand, ElevateEdAZ is focused on preparing students in the Greater Phoenix region for Phoenix’s competitive and abundant professional landscape through meaningful internship experiences.

The Greater Phoenix Chamber, Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and their boards of directors have committeed to providing 100 internship opportunities to high school seniors from Phoenix Union High School District and Mesa Public Schools in the second half of the 2021-22 school year.

This goal cannot be achieved without the help of Valley businesses. The Foundation is calling on local businesses to host internships this spring semester for high school seniors completing Career and Technical Education programs.

Through ElevateEdAZ, employers will have access to toolkits that highlight best practices and share examples of effective internships, to make the process as easy as possible for participating businesses. Recruitment will occur through October and students will interview with employers in November-December, with the 120-hour internship taking place January-May of 2022.

Don’t wait! Businesses are encouraged to commit as an internship host by October 15th!

“The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation has already benefitted from hiring high school interns to assist in our marketing efforts, and we are looking forward to helping local businesses take advantage of these talented students,” said Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. “Our student interns have brought our team fresh perspective and innovative ideas, while also applying the technical skills they learn in the classroom and learning how to work in a professional setting. It has truly been a win-win situation, and we look forward to working with another student this spring.”

“Phoenix is emerging as a global leader in technology sectors including semiconductors, advanced medical equipment, biomedical research and more,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Training the young people who will fill these jobs and go on to be the business leaders of the future is an essential part of keeping Phoenix vibrant, vital and growing.”

“Greater Phoenix Leadership is proud to partner with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation on this important effort to better prepare students for the workforce,” said Heather Carter, executive vice president of Greater Phoenix Leadership. The Greater Phoenix business community is committed to innovative solutions to fill our talent pipelines in high-demand, high-potential industries. Exposing students to these pathways will enable them to better plan for their futures and make meaningful contributions to the workforce faster than ever.”

“Phoenix Union is pleased to partner with ElevateEdAZ to provide workforce opportunities for the nearly 30,000 students we serve,” said Dr. Chad Gestson, Phoenix Union High School District Superintendent. “Internship opportunities allow PXU students to participate in real-world training while obtaining the soft skills needed to be successful after graduation.”

To learn more, visit: https://elevateedaz.com/internships and complete the ElevateEdAZ Businesses Partner Form. For more information on engaging your business, please contact Brittany Holmes at bholmes@phoenixchamber.com.

Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and Jennifer Mellor, chief innovation officer for the Foundation are available for media interviews.

Original source can be found here.