Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the creation of the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program, in partnership with Arizona’s community colleges, aimed at fostering a skilled workforce tailored to the evolving demands of Arizona’s growing and thriving economy. Since taking office, Governor Hobbs has made higher education and workforce development a priority, with this program giving the opportunity for 9-10,000 Arizonans to earn a credential, degree or build advanced skills in high-growth, high-demand fields. The scholarship program complements two additional workforce development programs launched by Governor Hobbs, the Future48 Workforce Accelerators and the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative. 

“Education has the power to change lives,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the country, with more and more people and businesses choosing to call our state home. This scholarship, along with our many other ongoing workforce development efforts, will help Arizonans access good paying jobs that allow them to reach their full potential.”

“More Arizonans are working today than ever before in the state’s history and yet we are still facing growing demand for even more trained and certified workers,” said OEO CEO Carlos Contreras. “We are grateful to Arizona’s community colleges continuing to find innovative ways to build the workforce and support Arizonans interested in gaining the skills needed for many of the in-demand, high-wage, high growth industries -  from cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing,” Cabinet Executive Officer Carlos Contreras, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona’s Workforce Coordinator.

“The Arizona Community College Coordinating Council is excited to partner with Governor Hobbs on this important scholarship program,” said Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, Chair of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council and President of Mohave Community College. “It will help students desiring to complete a certificate or degree in a high demand and high wage occupation, which will only benefit the great state of Arizona.”

Governor Hobbs has allocated $4.5M in EANS federal funding to kick start the scholarship, with the goal of the program continuing in the future with public or private funding. 

Additional information about the scholarship below:
The scholarship will focus on the following high-wage, high-growth sectors for this scholarship program. Each community college will focus on the regional industries present in their communities:

• 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

Eligibility requirements include:

• 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 community colleges serve 250,000 Arizona students in all corners of the state. 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
• Yavapai Community College