Western Maricopa Education Center, a career and technical education school district based in Glendale, recently announcef a continued articulation agreement with the University of Advancing Technology, a private college in Tempe focused on educating students in advancing technology, to create seamless pathways for West-MEC students to pursue a STEM degree.

“West-MEC is excited to partner with UAT. Through this partnership, West-MEC will increase the robust, accelerated pathways it offers its students to make their faster way forward a reality for their career aspirations,” stated West-MEC Post-Secondary Partnerships Manager Speranta Klees in a press release.

Through the partnership, West-MEC students can earn college credit toward a degree at UAT in pathways such as coding, IT Security, esports, and cloud technology. The collaboration streamlines the transfer process, allowing students to build on existing coursework while offering a cost-effective route to further education.

Participating students can complete their West-MEC program with up to one semester of college credit completed.

“Arizona thrives with a strong STEM pipeline that reaches every neighborhood in the Valley. Through training events, curriculum development, code camps, and exposure to cyber, cloud, and esports, this collaboration is expanding the size, diversity, and exposure of Arizona’s tech workforce through preparing students to build innovative solutions,” stated UAT Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. David Bolman.

By blending traditional academic values with technological advancements, UAT and West-MEC share a commitment to empowering students to achieve their potential.