The Higley Unified School District recently held its annual Spring Business and Community Partner Breakfast, an event dedicated to building relationships with local business and community leaders.  

At the spring event, leaders gathered to focus on fostering College and Career Ready Scholars, part of HUSD’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative.   

The event featured insightful presentations from Gateway Elementary's No Excuses University program, highlighting their commitment to preparing students for higher education. Students from Higley High and Williams Field High showcased their skills through the Career and Technical Education programs in Early Childhood Development and Criminal Justice.  

These presentations underscored the district's dedication to equipping students with practical skills for future careers.  

In addition to the presentations, the event included a networking activity. School leaders and community partners brainstormed innovative ways to prepare students for careers in local industries.  

The collaborative effort aims to strengthen the connection between education and the workforce, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.   

The breakfast also provided an opportunity for attendees to meet and network with the district's administrative and leadership team, learn about upcoming events, and explore sponsorship opportunities.  

Tearah Rice with Ecoroofing Solutions attended the event and came up with job fair ideas in cooperation with Ray Mercado, principal at San Tan Elementary.  

“The next generation of students (are) going to be our employees at our small businesses,” she said. “So, it's important for us to get connected with the children and with our school districts so that we are an integral part of their upbringing.”  

The biannual event continues to play a crucial role in building strong partnerships between the school district and local industries in an effort to benefit the students and the broader community.