Education & Workforce Development

Where will tomorrow’s innovators and entrepreneurs come from?

Our research parks are filled with companies that create leading edge technology. But their most critical asset, we believe, is their people.

At Tech Parks Arizona, our job goes beyond making sure that today’s companies have what they need to thrive. We’re also committed to ensuring that tomorrow’s workforce is skilled, eager, and ready to go.

Here are some of the Education and Workforce Development initiatives and programs that we’re involved in.

Vail Academy and High School
We’re proud to support the Vail School District’s initiative to create an award-winning K-12 program, located on the UA Tech Park campus. Vail students have the opportunity to see science in action, from their earliest experience. Students interact with scientists, engineers, and other professionals, both informally as well as through internship and mentorship programs.

UA South
Located at the UA Tech Park, UA South is a branch campus of the University of Arizona. It is geared towards nontraditional students who have completed their first two years of study at a community college.

Community Initiatives
We work with Pima County One Stop, Pima Community College, UA South, and local school districts to provide opportunities for students and workers to build the skills they need to enter the technology workplace.

We work with our community partners to develop:

• “Soft-skill” workshops for high school students to prepare them for internship opportunities
• A solar go-kart competition for high school students
• Specialized programs to prepare workers for specific industry needs

Learn about ESTEEM High School, our newest Education and Workforce Development initiative.

Tech Parks Arizona also works with many local companies and organizations to promote STEM with programs such as the IBM Excite Camp, STEMFest and the STEMAzing Institute

Arizona STEM Adventure
Arizona STEM Adventure is half-day program aimed to introduce and excite students grades 4 – 8 about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and participating in the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF).  The event is organized by Tech Parks Arizona, SciEnTek, IBM, Raytheon, Citi, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Start-up Tucson, Community Share, and the Office of the Pima County School Superintendent.

Building Experiential Skilled Student Talent (BESST)
A set of soft-skill workshops led by employees at the Tech Park for high school students. Students completing the workshops are then eligible to apply for an internship in the spring semester.

Racing the Sun

Racing the Sun, an Arizona statewide competition where high school students design, build and race solar-powered go-karts, is organized and hosted by Tech Parks Arizona. Racing the Sun provides a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experience for students that challenges them to think critically.  To learn more about the program click here.

Next Steps for Vets 

Next Steps for Vets is a new program connecting exiting military with job training and jobs available in the region; this program is a partnership of Pima County One-Stop, Pima Community College, Diamond Ventures, Tech Parks Arizona, Airmen and Family Readiness Center at Davis -Monthan, Arizona Workforce Connection - Cochise, Graham, Greenlee One Stops