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Center for the Future of Arizona's July 2023 newsletter brings you insights into our most recent Arizona Progress Meter update. We also celebrate the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards honorees, highlights from our recent work, and more. |
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Empowering Individuals with Disabilities in Arizona: Advancing Education and Employment Opportunities
We need systems that empower and support all Arizonans to channel their dreams, desires, and strengths into fulfilling post-secondary education and career pathways. In Arizona, as with much of the nation as a whole, people with disabilities face numerous barriers to achieving the education and training they need to fully participate in the economy.
The latest data informing the Arizona Education and Jobs Progress Meters provides useful insights into the conditions and trends affecting Arizonans with disabilities. The tight job market, along with expanded opportunities for remote work, appear to be positively influencing labor force participation rates. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on educational outcomes, and this has been true for students with disabilities as well as other demographic groups.
Opportunity for Action: With the support of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, CFA is partnering with Arizona Town Hall to bring visibility, spark dialogue, and motivate action that ensures more young people with disabilities have equitable access to opportunity and can attain successful transitions into post-secondary education and career pathways. We invite you to join us, offer input and perspectives, and work together to activate community-led solutions. Please contact our team if you are interested in participating in our upcoming Community Conversation on Aug. 18.
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Celebrating Arizona’s Unsung Heroes: 2023 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards
From left to right: Stephanie Zamora - Management Associate to the City Manager, City of Scottsdale; Sherri Collins - Executive Director, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing; Stephen J. Pauken - City Manager, City of Bisbee; Joy Rich - Retired County Manager, Maricopa County; Mark McCall - Correctional Health Services Education and Quality Management Manager, Maricopa County
The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards highlight nonelected public servants’ profound contributions to Arizona. Nonelected public servants are often less visible than elected officials but play a crucial role in shaping the quality of life in Arizona. These dedicated individuals work in various roles across the state, serving their communities, and finding innovative solutions to public problems.
Congratulations to the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award recipients:
- Mark McCall, Maricopa County Correctional Health Services Education and Quality Management Manager, received the Community Builder Award for a large county, applauding his dedication to providing vital healthcare services to those incarcerated within the Maricopa County Jail System.
- Stephen J. Pauken, Bisbee City Manager, was celebrated with the Community Builder Award for a small city/town, recognizing his tireless efforts to enhance the lives of Bisbee's residents and promote community development.
- Stephanie Zamora, City of Scottsdale Management Associate to the City Manager, received the Emerging Leader Award, acknowledging her promising career in public service and her potential to shape a brighter future for the community.
- Sherri Collins, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing Executive Director, was honored with the Civic Leader Award for her advocacy and dedication in ensuring equitable access to opportunities for those with hearing impairments.
- Joy Rich, Retired Maricopa County Manager, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions throughout her illustrious career, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless Arizonans.
We look forward to continuing to elevate public service and honor Gabe Zimmerman’s legacy by recognizing dedicated Arizonans making our state a better place for all.
Career Exploration Summer Institute Empowers Educators for Student Success
Cindy Erwin, CFA Director of College & Career Pathways, presenting to educators at the Career Exploration Summer Institute in Yuma, AZ
In an effort to pave the way for students' future success, Center for the Future of Arizona’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity team recently held another successful Career Exploration Summer Institute in collaboration with the Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC). Hosted in Yuma, the event brought together over 45 dedicated middle school educators passionate about guiding students on their educational and career journeys.
Over a span of three days, the Career Exploration Summer Institute equipped participants with valuable insights into regional labor market needs and innovative career exploration resources. The discussions and program focused on enhancing students' career readiness and building a bridge between middle school, high school, and post-secondary pathways. Participants also learned about leveraging My Future AZ, an online platform for all Arizona students to set goals and chart personalized pathways towards successful futures.
Arizona Pathway to Prosperity aims to empower students with a clear vision of their educational and career trajectories early on and ensure they are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to the evolving job market. The Career Exploration Summer Institutes are setting the stage for educators to facilitate an enhanced career exploration experience for students across the state.
Empowering the Future: Addressing Education and Career Opportunities for All Young People
CFA and Arizona Town Hall illuminate pathways for young individuals with disabilities in a joint presentation
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| From Left to right: Tara Jackson – President, Arizona Town Hall; Ian Dowdy – Director of Strategic Data Initiatives at CFA; Ashton Johnson - Senior Project Manager, Arizona Town Hall |
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Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and Arizona Town Hall presented at the Arizona Technology Access Program's – Evidence for Success Disability Conference. The joint presentation addressed the challenges and opportunities surrounding the successful transition of young people with disabilities into post-secondary education and career pathways.
CFA and AZ Town Hall sparked informed dialogue among diverse stakeholders aimed to identify actionable steps that can lead to meaningful improvements in post-secondary education and career opportunities for young people with disabilities. These include examining policy changes, refining existing programs, and encouraging community-led initiatives.
With shared commitment and dedication, CFA and AZ Town Hall are galvanizing action toward a more inclusive and empowered community for all. We invite you to join us for our next Community Conversation event on Aug. 18. Please contact our team if you are interested in participating. |
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Catch up with recent news about CFA, our partners, and the priorities of Arizonans:
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Optimistic American, America is Not as Divided as You Think
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AZ Politicast, Center for the Future of Arizona's Sybil Francis
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So Scottsdale, Can Do (Tank) Attitude: Sybil Francis leads Center for the Future of Arizona to focus on helping the state succeed
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Phoenix Business Journal, Center for Future of Arizona unveils 2023 public service awards
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The Douglas Dispatch, Pauken received Gabe Zimmerman community builder award
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Goodyear Independent, Goodyear resident honored for deaf and hard-of-hearing advocacy
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Daily Independent, Scottsdale employee honored with civic service award
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Daily Independent, Arizona career platform wins global EdTech award
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KJZZ, This Arizona nonprofit is working to make sure kids are reading at grade level
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In Business Phoenix, Center for the Future of Arizona Names President & CEO in Dual Roles as Chair
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AZ Big Media, AZ Big Spotlight: Center for the Future of Arizona
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Pre-Conference Session with CFA: Advancing The Arizona We Want – Resilient Infrastructure & Sustainable Water Future
Aug. 29, 9am-12pm | JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
Arizona is at a pivotal juncture. The bright future Arizonans want is not up to any one individual. The path forward requires us to work together at every level — to listen, learn, develop, and act on promising solutions. The good news is leaders and communities across the state have an incredible opportunity for action as the priorities of the public align, funds have been made available, and systems have been designed to facilitate the desired outcomes.
CFA is proud to partner with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns to present our annual pre-conference session for public sector leaders. This year’s interactive program will focus on fostering resilient communities at the local, regional, and national levels with infrastructure and sustainable practices that can support a high quality of life for all.
CFA’s pre-conference session is complimentary as part of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference but requires registration with CFA to reserve your spot. If you're interested in attending our program, contact our team.
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Center for the Future of Arizona brings Arizonans together
to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.
arizonafuture.org
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