District, chamber team to support workforce

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District, chamber team to support workforce

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Glendale Star Executive Editor

Business News | April 15, 2021

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The Maricopa County Community College District and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce are teaming to create an Education Concierge Partnership, which will provide chamber member organizations access to convenient, consolidated services to help their employees pursue a college education with the Maricopa Community Colleges.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is comprised of nearly 1,300 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. As part of this partnership, these members will have the opportunity to connect their employees with a dedicated advising team to help remove the barriers many working professionals face when starting or returning to college.

This advising team, which is part of the Enrollment Management division within Student Affairs at Maricopa Community Colleges, will be available to assist with admissions, tuition benefit and financial aid navigation, advising and success coaching for students attending any of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges.

“This partnership is an exciting new opportunity for our local workforce and a powerful example of how business and education can collaborate to support employees as they begin or continue their college pathway in pursuit of their education and career goals,” said MCCCD Interim Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales.

“We are proud to partner with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to support upskilling and degree attainment for chamber member employees.”

The goal is to make it easier for chamber member employees to earn an associate degree, certificate and/or university transfer while working with a team who can help them understand their employer’s tuition assistance program, apply for admissions and register for classes.

“Glendale Community College is proud to support the Education Concierge Partnership as a way to ensure an educated workforce in our community,” said Glendale Chamber of Commerce Chair-Elect and Glendale Community College President Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz.

“The strength of who we are is dependent on strong partnerships that benefit the community.”

As Glendale continues to see growth, companies are looking for innovative solutions to recruit, upskill and retain top talent, and this partnership will help support organizations in all of those areas.

“As scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations continue to accelerate, we must work together to tackle the existing and intensifying skills gap,” said Glendale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert Heidt.

“This partnership directly addresses challenges faced by working adults on their quest for higher education and a competitive advantage. As a chamber and community, we rise by investing in those around us.”

This story was originally published on the Glendale Star.

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