The Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce (GVSC), in collaboration with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, has introduced the Southern Arizona Pilot Program for ElevateEdAZ. This initiative is part of a broader statewide effort to link students with career opportunities in high-demand, well-paying fields.
Currently active in 25 schools across Maricopa County, the program is now extending its education-to-workforce framework to address the specific needs of the Sahuarita region. Students in the Sahuarita Unified School District will benefit from expanded access to internships, interactions with industry professionals, career discovery activities, and dual-enrollment options—all aligned with regional economic demands.
Randy Graf, President and CEO of GVSC, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. He described the program as more than just an educational enhancement, but a pivotal shift for the community’s long-term development.
According to Graf, the effort aims to strengthen ties between schools and local enterprises, offering youth practical exposure to careers within their own communities. The goal extends beyond job preparation, focusing instead on cultivating future leaders, innovators, and engaged residents who will contribute meaningfully to the area’s growth.
The pilot will begin at Walden Grove High School and Sahuarita High School, serving around 2,300 students. ElevateEdAZ will supply on-site college and career advisors, while GVSC will manage business outreach and partnership development to ensure the curriculum reflects actual workforce conditions in Southern Arizona.
Key objectives of the program include: expanding access to high-earning technical education tracks; supporting students in earning recognized certifications and early college credits; integrating real-world experiences such as internships and job shadowing into learning; building a skilled local workforce to attract and sustain quality employers; and encouraging cooperation among educators, business executives, and civic leaders for lasting economic benefit.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation will hire two career coaches and a regional director to oversee implementation. Meanwhile, the Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber Foundation will fund a Business Partnership Liaison to deepen connections with regional employers.
Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, expressed appreciation for the expansion opportunity, highlighting the creation of accelerated pathways for students and the formation of a collaborative network to support community development.
Graf reiterated that the initiative represents not only a commitment to youth but also a strategic investment in the region’s economic future. He noted that empowering young people strengthens local enterprises, stimulates economic expansion, and fosters a community where talent chooses to remain and lead.
The GVSC is inviting local companies, community figures, and industry representatives to participate by hosting internships, delivering classroom talks, mentoring students, or offering facility tours to expose youth to diverse career environments.
About the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center advocates for its members while offering networking platforms and business development tools. More information is available at greenvalleysahuarita.com.
About the Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber Foundation
This 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity focuses on advancing education and economic growth in the Sahuarita and Green Valley areas by supporting individuals, schools, and local organizations.
About ElevateEdAZ
— news from Pima County, AZ (.gov)
— News Original —
Economic Development Newsroom
The Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce (GVSC), in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, announced the launch of the Southern Arizona Pilot Program for ElevateEdAZ, a statewide initiative designed to connect students with pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers. n nThe program, already serving 25 schools in Maricopa County, will now expand its proven education-to-workforce model to meet the unique needs of the Sahuarita community. Through this pilot, students in Sahuarita Unified School District will gain increased access to internships, industry guest speakers, career exploration, and dual-enrollment opportunities, all while ensuring alignment with the needs of our local economy. n n“Bringing ElevateEdAZ to Sahuarita is more than just a new program, it’s a game changer for our entire community,” said Randy Graf, President & CEO of the GVSC. n n“This is about building bridges between our schools and local businesses, giving our students real opportunities to explore careers right here at home. We’re not just preparing students for jobs, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and neighbors who will shape the future of Sahuarita and Green Valley.” n nThe pilot will launch at Walden Grove High School and Sahuarita High School, serving approximately 2,300 students. ElevateEdAZ will provide on-campus college and career coaching, while GVSC will lead business engagement and partnerships to ensure the program reflects the realities and opportunities of the Southern Arizona workforce. n nThe initiative is designed to: n nExpand Career Pathways: Increase student participation in high-wage, high-demand Career and Technical Education programs. n nEnhance Credentials and Credit: Help students earn industry-recognized credentials and early post-secondary credit. n nConnect Education to Industry: Create real-world learning through internships, job shadows, and work-based experiences. n nStrengthen Arizona’s Workforce: Build a robust talent pipeline that attracts and retains industries offering high-quality jobs. n nFoster Collaboration: Unite educators, business leaders, and community stakeholders for long-term economic impact. n nThe Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation will hire two college and career coaches and a regional director to lead the pilot, while the Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber Foundation will fund a Business Partnership Liaison to strengthen local business connections. n n“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand ElevateEdAZ’s reach and foster new partnerships that will provide students with accelerated pathways and create a robust capacity-building consortium to support the community,” said Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. n n“This program is not just an investment in students, it’s an investment in the future of Southern Arizona,” said Graf. “When we open doors for our young people, we strengthen our businesses, grow our economy, and create a community where talent stays, thrives, and leads.” n nThe GVS Chamber is asking local businesses, community leaders, and industry partners to get involved by offering an internship, speaking in a classroom, mentoring a student, or simply opening your doors for a career tour. n nAbout the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center n nThe Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business association representing the interests of its membership through advocacy and by providing networking and business resources. Learn more at greenvalleysahuarita.com. n nAbout the Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber Foundation n nThe Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals, groups, businesses, and schools in advancing education and economic development in the Sahuarita and Green Valley communities. n nAbout ElevateEdAZ