Arizonans show strong support for higher education in new poll

“Arizona voters need to do more to ensure more Arizonans have the opportunity to earn degrees and workforce certifications,” said Rich Nickell, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization. I hope.'' “Three out of four Arizonans say they want this. To me, that sounds like a mandate for action.”

This poll was conducted in support of the bipartisan Achieve60AZ goal. This goal aims to add more than 500,000 degrees and certificates by 2030, allowing 60% of the state's working adult population (ages 25-64) to earn a post-secondary credential. There is. , license or degree.

Nickel acknowledged that “this isn't the flashiest issue,” but said, “Arizona State's future is literally tied to its academic record.”

He was joined by Dolores Duran Cerda, interim president of Pima Community College. Sherry Watson, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Southern Arizona Leadership Council; and University of Arizona junior Trisha Jean Lane presented the data.

“Arizona needs to address delays in postsecondary degree and credential attainment, especially among first-generation and underrepresented students,” Durancerda said. “There are 575,000 Arizona residents who do not have a high school diploma or college degree. We clearly have the support of all Arizonans to do this work.”

The interim president said Pima Community College is working hard to support students seeking post-secondary education. He cited PCC's recently opened Advanced Manufacturing Building, which he said “will help graduates get jobs that pay wages that support their families” in areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics and welding.

In addition, the community college has a “Pima Fast Track” initiative that provides technical education, training, and industry-recognized certificates that can be completed in as little as four months.

Durancerda said the reason PCC has worked so hard to create these programs is because a shortage of highly educated workers is beginning to impact Southern Arizona's economy.

Sherry Watson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, echoed these points.

“Arizona's prosperity depends on economic growth, and our economy can only grow if we attract more job-creating businesses and those businesses fill their positions with qualified candidates.” she stated. “The labor market remains extremely challenging for existing Arizona employers.”

According to data from the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, “Currently, almost two-thirds of jobs, or 65%, are in occupations that are specialized in nature,” meaning they require some form of education beyond high school. Yes, Watson said.

Yet, data shows only 33% of Tucson's working-age adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, she added.

“Ultimately, we are interested in improving the quality of life for all people in southern Arizona,” Watson said. “Education is more than just a tool. It promotes a higher quality of life.”

That's especially true for UA junior Trisha Jean Lane, who transferred to the university from PCC.

She is in the Environmental Engineering undergraduate program, is an Arizona State Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Peer Mentor, and is an Arizona State Space Grant Intern and McNair Scholar.

“None of this would have been possible without the ability to pursue an education after high school,” she said. “Growing up on a reservation without running water or electricity, I am passionate about innovative solutions for accessible and affordable water treatment processes to bring clean water to rural communities in Arizona and around the world. I’m focused on getting a PhD that I can work on.”

College “made a huge difference for me,” she said.

“Let's change the game for others,” Lane urged. “When we work together to expand learning and training opportunities beyond high school, we will help transform the lives of individuals, families, communities, and our state.”