Maricopa Community Colleges and Phoenix are joining forces to offer a program focused on high-demand areas of employment such as health care and information technology.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, interim chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges, announced the official launch of “Route to Relief” on Monday.

The new program, supported by the city’s federal pandemic relief dollars, provides free tuition, monthly stipends and employment assistance to eligible individuals in programs across 10 areas such as semiconductors, healthcare, bioscience, manufacturing and information technology.

Last year, the Phoenix City Council approved $7 million to establish the partnership, aimed specifically at helping those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program aims to provide Phoenix residents with opportunities to advance in their careers by accessing tuition, books and fee assistance up to $5,000, career navigation services and employment assistance, according to a release.

Eligible recipients may also receive additional financial support, a monthly stipend of up to $1,500, for such things as childcare and transportation.

“While Phoenix achieved remarkable success in economic development, even during the pandemic, too many of our residents were severely burdened by lost employment and scarce opportunity during that same time period,” Gallego said.

“To make our success sustainable, we must ensure education and training is available to people in every part of the city. By engaging with the MCCCD system, we are providing people with the opportunity to find their own success in these emerging fields.”

One of the eligible programs is the new Semiconductor Technician Quick Start, a two-week training program “to expedite the development of skill sets needed to work in semiconductor manufacturing fabrication.

“With the arrival of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Mayor Gallego has made clear her plans for Phoenix to become an international hub for semiconductor manufacturing. The Quick Start program is one way to fill the pipeline with workers ready to advance into this rising industry,” according to the release.

"This program comes at a pivotal time for North Phoenix as we are poised to staff the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant," said District 1 Councilmember Ann O'Brien.

“The Maricopa Community Colleges is thrilled to launch this innovative partnership with the City of Phoenix to better meet the city’s workforce development goals and provide life-changing opportunities for residents,” Gonzales stated in the release.

To learn more about the “Route to Relief” program and determine eligibility to apply, visit www.maricopa.edu/route-to-relief