Center for the Future of Arizona

Help us spread the word! CFA is hiring a part-time Student Worker, GIS & Data Analyst from ASU for the 2025-26 academic year. If you or someone you know is skilled in data analysis, GIS mapping, and turning insights into impact, this is a great opportunity to contribute to building a stronger and brighter future for Arizona. Please share this opportunity with your network and any students who may be interested. Learn more & apply by April 14: bit.ly/3O9xFGz

Access to Quality Early Learning is on the rise in Arizona:  ️➡️ In 2019, only about 1 in 5 of Arizona’s 3- & 4-year-olds were in quality early learning programs.  ➡️ Now? Over 1 in 3 kids are enrolled.    It’s a meaningful step forward, and there’s still more to do to ensure all Arizona children have access to the strong start they deserve.     This is just one finding from our recent Arizona Education Progress Meter update with Education Forward Arizona that shows how Arizona is measuring up — from preschool to post-secondary — to help leaders make informed decisions.    Discover all the updated metrics: https://bit.ly/3QStHmz

In her latest op-ed for the Arizona Capitol Times, CFA’s Chair, Pres. & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis breaks down exactly what we asked Arizona voters regarding the timing of election results in our latest survey—and what they had to say. Our leaders are making big decisions. We hope this data helps ground those decisions in the voices of Arizonans. Read here: https://bit.ly/4l88OS6

The 2025 Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows represent a broad range of organizations across Southern Arizona. Through the Academy, they're gaining valuable insights, strengthening leadership, and collaborating on innovative solutions to drive lasting impact in the region’s workforce.    💡 Dr. Brandon R. McIver, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Arizona Dept of Environmental Quality, Statewide  💡 Lourdes Rivera, Advanced Program Coordinator, Pima Community College, Santa Cruz County  💡 Wendy Scheder Black, Director, Adult Basic Education for College & Career, Pima Community College, Pima County  💡 Vickie Simmons, CPA, Deputy Director, ARIZONA@WORK-Southeastern Arizona, Cochise County    Get to know all 2025 Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows: https://bit.ly/3AjGXMr 

💼 Workforce Development in the West Valley! Join us for our April 24 Breakfast Series as we spotlight the WESTMARC Foundation and the future of workforce development across the region! 📅 Date: April 24 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM 📍 Location: West-MEC Central Campus 📍 6997 N Glen Harbor Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85307 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gNZCMsAm With workforce availability and talent pipelines top of mind for growing businesses, now is the time to learn how the West Valley is preparing for the future. We’ll cover: 👷♀️ Workforce strategy and regional impact 🎯 Goals of the new WESTMARC Foundation 🔍 Insights from top leaders in education, HR, and career pathways 🎙️ Featuring: Opening remarks from Dr. Todd Sandrin, ASU West Valley Panelists: Scott Holman - Amkor Technology, Inc. & Erin McGehean - Center for the Future of Arizona Don't miss this critical conversation shaping the region’s economic future! ✨ #westvalleyaz #workforcedevelopment Arizona State University

The #RegentsCup embodies the best of Arizona’s commitment to civil discourse and problem-solving. Looking forward to seeing students bring their skills and perspectives to this inspiring celebration of free speech! 

Just because #WomensHistoryMonth is ending doesn’t mean we stop celebrating the women who are shaping Arizona’s future and inspiring the next generation. Arizona is stronger because of the women who lead, uplift, and contribute to a bright future every day.

Arizona Gives Day celebrates generosity while raising awareness about the incredible impact of Arizona-based nonprofits. Visit Arizona Gives to support a cause you care about & help build a stronger and brighter future: azgives.org.

Stay informed and inspired — subscribe to CFA’s newsletter for a monthly look at the latest data and stories shaping Arizona’s future. In March’s edition, you’ll find... 🌵 An update to the Arizona Education Progress Meter with Education Forward Arizona 🌵 How Roosevelt School District is helping students shape their communities & voices 🌵 A call to readers to help us recognize outstanding public servants The future doesn’t wait; read and subscribe today! https://bit.ly/428RRhZ

What makes a job a “Good Job”?    Inspired by The Arizona We Want and confirmed by the Northern Arizona community in Local First Arizona’s Good Jobs Network, it’s about:  ✅ Stable pay & benefits – reliable wages and essentials like healthcare  ✅ Pathways to growth – opportunities to learn, advance, and build careers  ✅ Accessible opportunities – everyone has a chance to succeed    CFA is partnering to put these principles into action. At a recent ARIZONA@Work Coconino County roundtable, CFA’s Holly Kurtz joined regional employers to identify challenges & solutions for strengthening job quality.    A toolkit is coming soon to help employers attract and retain talent with high-quality jobs. Stay tuned!