Opportunity can’t wait: Why Arizona’s workforce development must begin before high school

Ivan Gilreath

Submitted photo

As Arizona’s economy continues to grow and evolve, we have a window of opportunity to shape a generation that is not only technically capable but emotionally resilient, collaborative and visionary. These are the young people who will build the chips, develop the code, design the systems — and lead the companies.”

Education Solutions

Arizona’s workforce future at stake as report warns of need for educated workforce

Arizona is in the middle of a remarkable transformation. With long-established innovators like Microchip Technology — headquartered in Arizona for decades — and tech giants like TSMC, Intel, Google, Apple and Meta expanding operations, our state is quickly becoming a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing and high-tech innovation.

These industries promise thousands of high-paying jobs over the next decade and the chance to build a future right here at home — if our young people are ready to step into those roles.

That’s the key challenge we now face: preparing today’s kids for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Workforce development can’t start in college or even high school. It needs to begin much earlier — through hands-on learning, mentorship and experiences that help youth discover their interests and develop skills in STEM — science, technology, engineering and math, as well as leadership and communication.

To fill the pipeline of talent needed for this new economy, we must invest in after-school programs and community partnerships that make this kind of well-rounded development possible.

We’re seeing promising efforts statewide. Programs like the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start at Maricopa Community Colleges and the Future48 Workforce Accelerator are moving quickly to meet demand. But they’re just one part of the solution. If we want to ensure all young people have a path to these careers — including those from underrepresented or underserved communities — we need to back efforts that start earlier and cast a wider net.

Research tells us that after-school and out-of-school programs can be game-changers. We see regularly that youth who participate in quality after-school programming improve not just academically, but socially and emotionally. They’re more likely to attend school regularly, build resilience, graduate on time and explore potential career paths.

I’ve seen firsthand how a young person can flourish when they’re exposed to coding, robotics and public speaking — along with opportunities to build social skills, stay physically active, and develop a sense of civic responsibility. These aren’t just “extras,” they’re essential tools that help kids thrive in complex and competitive fields.

When parents ask, “What can I do to help my child prepare for the future?” my answer is this: Look for opportunities that let your child experiment, create and connect. That might be STEM and art programming, a leadership program and a safe, supportive space after school where they can explore what excites them.

For community leaders, educators and business partners, the question is: how can we build a stronger bridge between the classroom and the career field? Can we offer mentorship? Can we support internship pathways or volunteer in youth-serving spaces? Can we advocate for funding that brings innovative programming to every ZIP code? The answer is “yes” to all of these.

Our kids don’t just need more school, they need more real-world relevance. They need role models. They need to see what’s possible.

As Arizona’s economy continues to grow and evolve, we have a window of opportunity to shape a generation that is not only technically capable but emotionally resilient, collaborative and visionary. These are the young people who will build the chips, develop the code, design the systems — and lead the companies.

Let’s not wait until a job is open to start preparing them. Let’s invest in their potential now.

Editor’s note: Ivan Gilreath is president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, which serves youth at nine locations in Scottsdale, north Phoenix, Fountain Hills, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Hualapai Nation. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.