News & Events Newsletter Archive Newsletter August 2024

August 2024

Jumpstarting Future Success: Quality Career Exploration Curriculum Expands to K-5

Fourth grade students at Holaway Elementary School engage in discussion as part of the K-5 Possible Futures Curriculum.

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative's Possible Futures Curriculum into grades K-5! Building on the successful offerings for middle grades, schools now have a free, quality resource for K-8 career literacy– designed by and for educators. This groundbreaking move brings career exploration to students earlier in their educational journey, to start developing critical career literacy and preparing for their future Education and Career Action Plans. This early start is crucial—familiarizing students with the modern labor market and in-demand industries while they are still discovering their interests, better empowers them to build out their future educational and career paths over the long term.

We thank the Arizona Department of Education and Jobs for the Future for helping make college and career readiness possible for all Arizona kids.

Access the curriculum

Supporting Rural Youth at the 17th Annual Arizona Rural Policy Forum

Arizona Rural Policy Forum - Jennifer Hernandez and Donna Davis

Jennifer Hernandez poses for a photo with fellow panelist Donna Davis, Senior Community Impact Manager, Education Forward Arizona.

CFA's Jennifer Hernandez, joined a dynamic panel to discuss strategies for preparing rural youth for the workforce. Alongside leaders from Eastern Arizona College, Education Forward Arizona, and the Arizona Community Foundation, Jennifer shared initiatives that are helping students explore a wide range of career opportunities, broadening their understanding of the diverse industries and job types available to them.

Empowering Educators at Palo Verde Externship Day

Attendees visit a control room simulator for a hands-on experience that provided a glimpse into the critical functions of running a nuclear power plant.

Our Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative’s recent Palo Verde Teacher Externship Day brought together 35 educators from across the Valley for an immersive experience in the energy sector. These teachers, now equipped with new insights and hands-on knowledge, will impact over 16,000 students, inspiring future careers in energy.

Discover more about the transformative day

Celebrating CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis: One of Arizona's Most Influential Women

Arizona's Most Influential Women of 2024

The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2024.

Photo by Bruce Andersen, AZ Big Media

We are delighted to share that CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis has been honored as one of Arizona's Most Influential Women of 2024 by AZ Business magazine. This esteemed award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities, highlighting the strength of female leadership in Arizona.

Under Dr. Francis’ visionary leadership, CFA has become a powerful force for good in Arizona, driving impactful change and fostering a positive agenda for the state. Her commitment to addressing Arizona's long-term challenges and her dedication to excellence have profoundly impacted our community and the broader region.

Learn more about the recognition

Arizona Civic Leaders Gain New Insights at Flinn-Brown Academy 2024 Kickoff

CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis presents key research findings.

Today, CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis presented to the new cohort of Flinn-Brown Fellows at the 2024 Flinn-Brown Academy kickoff. We’re thrilled to be part of this flagship program from the nonpartisan Arizona Center for Civic Leadership that continues to bring together experienced civic leaders dedicated to addressing Arizona’s long-term challenges.

Dr. Francis shared critical insights from CFA's Gallup Arizona Project and Arizona Voters’ Agenda research, highlighting the top priorities and Shared Public Values of Arizonans. This data-driven presentation provided the fellows with a deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to the community, equipping them with valuable knowledge as they begin their fellowship journey.

Consecutive days Arizona experienced temperatures higher than 110 degrees Fahrenheit in 2023

In 2023, Arizona experienced record-breaking heat, recording 73 days with temperatures greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and an unprecedented 31 days with temperatures higher than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, temperatures aren’t cooling off anytime soon, with projections expecting up to 117 days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit by 2030, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Rising temperatures are not only an environmental crisis but also a pressing issue for residents, and Arizonans understand that tackling these challenges is an urgent priority.

Discover why tackling heat is crucial

Strengthening Our Team to Amplify Impact

CFA is pleased to announce the promotions of two team members. Heather Thornton has been promoted to Senior Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, and Melanie Baca has been promoted to Senior Project Manager in our education portfolio of initiatives.

These advancements reflect our commitment to expanding our capacity and expertise, enhancing our ability to drive impactful change throughout Arizona.

Read the full announcement


Habitat For Humanity’s New Construction Training Program Aligns with Arizona’s Shared Public Values The episode highlights one of Arizona’s Shared Public Values as discovered in CFA’s The Arizona We Want research. When it comes to jobs and the economy, Arizonans want good-paying jobs and the education and training needed for all Arizonans to fully participate in a vibrant economy. From Arizona Horizon


Helios Education Foundation named “Outstanding Foundation” We proudly nominated longtime partner and supporter Helios Education Foundation for their unwavering dedication to transforming lives, enhancing community well-being, and fostering equitable and exceptional education through impactful philanthropy From Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter


Five Questions with a Workforce Leader: Holly Kurtz, Center for the Future of Arizona From Aspen Institute


How Does a Two-Party System Work? Catch the second episode in CFA’s Voter Ed series with Arizona PBS exploring how the two-party system works and its history From Arizona PBS


ASU Teams Up to Help K–12 Teachers Empower Students Arizona Bar Foundation, Center for the Future of Arizona collaborate with ASU on teacher workshop From ASU News


Where Students Can Choose What and How They Study The episode highlights one of Arizona’s Shared Public Values as discovered in CFA’s The Arizona We Want research. When it comes to education, Arizonans want a highly skilled and educated population. From Arizona Horizon

Center for the Future of Arizona brings Arizonans together
to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.

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