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 will be available to assist with admissions, tuition benefit and financial aid navigation, advising, and success coaching for students attending any Maricopa Community College.

“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.”

Education Concierge Partnership’s Goals

The goal of this partnership is to make it simpler for Chamber member employees to earn an associate’s degree, certificate, and/or university transfer. They will get the opportunity to work with a dedicated team that can help them better understand their employer’s tuition assistance program, apply for admissions, and register for classes. The program aims to remove as many barriers as possible for working professionals.

“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.”

Glendale is a great place to live, work, learn, and play with a long-standing commitment to connecting business, government and community. As Glendale continues to see tremendous growth, companies are looking for innovative solutions to recruit, upskill and retain top talent. 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.”

To learn more about this partnership and how the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce are working together to support Glendale’s workforce needs, please visit https://info.maricopacorporate.com/glendale.