Walmart Awards The Center for the Future of Arizona $250,000 Workforce Grant

Walmart announced a multi-year workforce development grant in Phoenix as part of broader efforts to help workers build skills, connect to quality jobs and advance careers in a labor market being reshaped by artificial intelligence and other technological change.

Over the next five years, Walmart and Walmart Foundation aim to help workers across select communities move into and prepare for higher-quality career opportunities. As part of that effort in Phoenix, Walmart provided an initial $250,000 grant to The Center for the Future of Arizona to expand workforce opportunities across the Greater Phoenix area. The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Maricopa Community College District, Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona@Work – City of Phoenix, and Arizona@Work – Maricopa County will also be key partners in this work.

“We know Arizonans want a future where every person reaches their full potential, and employers find the talent they need to grow,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona. “The regional workforce development grant from Walmart builds on the collaboration already underway across Greater Phoenix and creates important opportunities for employers, educators, workforce organizations, philanthropy, and public partners to deepen collaboration around a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we can strengthen pathways for more Arizonans, support thriving communities, and position Arizona to remain competitive for generations to come.”

Phoenix was selected because of the strong workforce leadership and cross-sector collaboration already underway across the region. This grant will build on that foundation by strengthening a workforce system that is more connected across employers, educators and workforce organizations, informed by forward-looking labor market data, and enhanced by technology—while remaining centered on people and partnerships that drive lasting economic opportunity.

“Workers and employers alike are navigating a period of rapid change, and we believe this moment calls for action,” said Julie Gehrki, SVP Philanthropy, Walmart and President, Walmart Foundation. “We want to help create clearer pathways to opportunity workers across our communities can build stronger futures and employers can find and develop the talent they need. That’s why we’re proud to support local efforts in Phoenix that can help connect people to better jobs and long-term advancement.”

Since 2021, Walmart and Walmart Foundation have provided more than $180 million in workforce development grants and initiatives that help people build skills and access opportunity.