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March 2025

The Arizona We Want
Bridging the Gap: Turning Arizona Students’ Aspirations into Post-Secondary Success
 
 
If 78% of Arizona 10th grade students* aspire to continue their education right after high school, why do only 48% of high school students enroll in post-secondary programs?
 
*2023 survey of 2,105 students conducted as part of CFA EIR grant research
 
 
 
 
 
Students receiving awards
CFA’s Erin McGehean and Mel Baca co-present at the Summit for Dual Credit Programs hosted by South Texas College and National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
 
For the past five years, CFA’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity (APTP) team has studied the gap between student aspirations and actual outcomes to help more students pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields and achieve economic mobility.
 
Last month, in Washington D.C. and South Padre Island, TX, we presented initial findings from this significant research to leaders who are also aiming to improve educational outcomes for students at the state and national level. The insights included data-informed, action-oriented frameworks to increase student awareness, interest, participation, and persistence in college-level courses taken during high school (dual enrollment) and in computer science/cybersecurity pathways.
 
 
In Arizona, during the 2022–2023 school year, there was one high school counselor for every 667 students—an improvement from previous years, yet it remains well above the recommended ratio of 250 to 1.
 
 
Our research shows that in addition to school counselors, teachers, peers, and families also play a significant role in influencing students’ education and career planning. A distributed advising approach, centered around what matters most to students and supported by counselors, parents, peers, and teachers, can strengthen student engagement in post-secondary planning.
 
Much more to come! In-depth findings from this research will be released in January 2026, offering insights to spark action and inform best practices in Arizona and beyond.
CFA Champions
Bold Investment in the Power of Arizonans’ Voices
A thriving Arizona starts with making sure Arizonans’ voices are heard—clearly, powerfully, and where decisions are made. As longtime CFA supporters, Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation recognize that strategic communications are essential to driving change and are helping bring this vision to life. By investing in CFA’s bold campaign to achieve The Arizona We Want, they are fueling efforts that champion the voices of Arizonans, engage leaders on the issues that unite us, and turn shared aspirations into action.
 
 
 
 
Francis and Dionne Najafi
Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation
 
“We believe in the power of amplifying Arizonans’ voices so their priorities shape the future of our state,” said Dionne Najafi. “CFA’s research makes it clear: we agree on far more than we disagree, yet these shared priorities are too often drowned out. Through this work, CFA cuts through the noise, elevates facts over division, and ensures that what Arizonans want for the future drives meaningful change.”
 
We’ve already seen this impact in progress. Thanks in part to the support from the Najafis, Pivotal Foundation, and other key supporters, the 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda reached millions, putting voters’ voices front and center in media coverage, candidate conversations, and public debate.
 
With dedicated partners like the Najafis and Pivotal Foundation, we are leveraging this momentum—expanding our reach, driving action, and keeping Arizonans’ shared priorities at the heart of our state’s future. Recognizing how critically important this work is to the future of our state, the Najafis have generously pledged a three-year $300,000 challenge grant to inspire others to join in this effort to accelerate CFA’s communications effort.
2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards
Nominate Today: 14th Annual Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards
Public servants are the backbone of our communities. Their dedication ensures Arizona can thrive. Yet, their invaluable contributions often go unseen. Since 2011, we’ve celebrated 50 outstanding nonelected public officials through the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards. Nominations are now open through April 30 to recognize even more unsung heroes who are essential to ensuring government functions efficiently, public needs are met, and connections to our institutions are strengthened.
 
Any Arizona-based nonelected public servant who is employed by any of the following may be nominated:
 
  • Cities, Towns, Counties, Special Districts
  • Agencies of the Executive and Legislative Branches of State Government
  • Tribal Governments
  • Personal Staff employed by Members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation
Arizona Progress Meter Update: Education
Signs of Progress for Arizona Students with Key Challenges Still to Address
Arizona’s future depends on a strong education system, and the latest update to the Arizona Education Progress Meter, released by CFA and Education Forward Arizona, highlights both progress and persistent challenges.
 
  • More preschoolers in quality early learning
  • More high school students are graduating in four years
  • Fewer students are proficient in third-grade reading
  • More Arizonans have a post-secondary degree or credential
 
Arizonans overwhelmingly support action to strengthen education—now is the time to turn urgency into impact. See where Arizona stands and what’s needed to move forward.
Making an Impact
Shaping Quality Jobs & Expanding Opportunity for a Stronger Northern Arizona
 
 
 
Shaping Quality Jobs & Expanding Opportunity
CFA's Holly Kurtz lends expertise to the Coconino County Business Roundtable in late February.
 
Last month, we joined Arizona@Work and manufacturing, transportation, and utilities employers in Coconino County for a discussion focused on identifying challenges and solutions to strengthen job quality and opportunity. CFA’s Director of Workforce Development, Holly Kurtz, shared the Good Jobs framework –a set of qualities and practices that Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (NAGJN) employers agree define a quality job- along with resources to help them attract and retain talent. This work is rooted in the Shared Public Values identified through CFA’s survey research defining The Arizona We Want and is reinforced by the lived experience and input of NAGJN. Together, these efforts are advancing economic opportunity and helping build a resilient workforce—ensuring both individuals and the region can thrive.
SPB Vote Days 2025: District Support Sustains High-Quality Civic Learning
 
 
 
Vote Days
John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry students vote on how to use an empty field at their school, while Cesar Chavez Leadership Academy students cast votes for three options: a school store upgrade, mural, or student hygiene and school supplies.
 
Throughout the year, over 50,000 Arizona students have driven positive change through School Participatory Budgeting (SPB), developing proposals—by students, for students—to improve their schools and build lifelong leadership skills.
 
Now through spring, Vote Days bring their efforts to life as students decide which projects to implement. Roosevelt School District (RSD) is part of this growing initiative, where SPB has thrived for three consecutive years with strong district support. Nearly half of RSD schools participate, and while votes are still being tabulated across RSD for projects like a crafting area or school mural, the impact is clear. SPB is empowering Arizona students to tackle challenges collaboratively and recognize their leadership as essential to Arizona’s future. And the momentum isn’t slowing down—many schools across the state are still preparing for their upcoming Vote Days; we look forward to sharing more!
Fellows Embark on Workforce Leadership Journey with Transformative Opening Retreat
Academy Fellows Retreat

Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows gather for a two-day Opening Retreat at Pima Community College.

The 2025 Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy kicked off with an Opening Retreat in Tucson earlier this month, laying the groundwork for ten months of collaboration and impact. Academy Fellows gained critical insights into Arizona’s labor force through data from the Arizona Progress Meters, presented by CFA’s Director of Strategic Data Initiatives Ian Dowdy, along with presentations from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Sun Corridor, Tucson Metro Chamber, and Pima County. The group also explored tools to break down silos, address implicit bias, and foster the inclusive collaboration necessary for the work ahead through interactive activities and a presentation from Diamond Strategies. By stepping away from daily responsibilities, Fellows had the space to take a deep look at the current workforce ecosystem in Southern Arizona. This reflection is enabling reimagined solutions and actionable strategies; setting the stage for meaningful, lasting change.
In The News
 
Op-Ed: Arizona Voters Want Convenience, Accuracy, Access Over Faster Election Results
 
In a new op-ed, CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis shares recent survey findings and what they mean for Arizona’s future.
 
From Arizona Republic
 
Vote Here
 
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More Highlights from the Arizona Education Progress Meter Update
 
Education Forward Arizona shares additional insight into the recent Arizona Education Progress Meter updates.
 
From Education Forward Arizona
 
Education Progress Meter Updates
 
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Watch: CFA Celebrates Civic Learning Week
 
Members of the SPB Professional Learning Community joined CFA’s Civic Health team to share their experiences with high-quality civic education in their schools in celebration of National Civic Learning Week.
 
From Center for the Future of Arizona
 
Civic Learning Week
 
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Phoenix Launches New Mobile Career Unit, Supports Ongoing Workforce Development
 
A new and larger Mobile Career Unit, a retrofitted RV, will begin touring Phoenix offering resources to job seekers and a central hiring location for employers. CFA has supported this initiative since 2022 sharing the benefits with our RetailWorks AZ Retail Employer Network.
 
From City of Phoenix
 
New Mobile Career Unit
 
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Breaking Barriers: The State of Black Arizona Unveils Game-Changing Dashboard to Drive Progress
 
State of Black Arizona’s new dashboard, in partnership with CFA, will provide real-time insights into Black Arizonans’ quality of life so leaders can address disparities and impact change.
 
From Arizona Informant
 
State of Black Arizona’s Dashboard
 
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Center for the Future of Arizona
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