The Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona’s public universities are committed to serving communities across the state by expanding access to education and fueling high-demand careers that drive long-term prosperity. Through the board’s AZ Opportunity campaign, the state’s higher education system is aligning its mission with Arizona’s most pressing economic and workforce needs.
AZ Opportunity is a strategic framework designed to ensure every Arizonan has access to a high-quality education that leads to a meaningful career. It reflects a systemwide commitment – from the board to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona – to preparing students for success in industries critical to Arizona’s future, including health care, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and microelectronics.
Strengthening Arizona’s health care workforce is a top priority. Initiatives like AZ Healthy Tomorrow are expanding medical education and clinical training opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. From new nursing programs at NAU to the launch of three-year medical degrees at U of A and the development of ASU’s new health campus, Arizona’s universities are responding directly to the state’s growing health care needs.
AZ Opportunity also focuses on strengthening the state’s talent pipeline and retaining Arizona’s best and brightest students. Programs like the Arizona Promise Program and College Ready AZ are helping students and families navigate the path to college, while targeted outreach and financial support are removing barriers to postsecondary attainment. These efforts are essential to closing Arizona’s degree gap and ensuring students from every background can pursue higher education and contribute to the state’s economy.
Public-private partnerships are central to this work. Collaborations with industry leaders, from hospitality and tourism to defense and aerospace, are helping shape academic programs that reflect real-world demands. These partnerships ensure Arizona’s graduates are not only workforce-ready but also have clear pathways to meaningful careers within the state.
Arizona’s cities and towns are vital partners in this effort. When local leaders share data, co-invest in research and collaborate on workforce strategies, the impact is tangible. Programs like our Regents’ Grants and the Future of Arizona series demonstrate how university-led innovation can directly benefit communities, from improving water conservation to advancing wildfire response and sustainable agriculture.
AZ Opportunity is a commitment to securing Arizona’s future and shared prosperity. By aligning education with opportunity, Arizona’s public universities continue to serve as the state’s economic engine by preparing the state’s workforce, advancing innovation and strengthening its communities.
To learn more or get involved, visit AZOpportunity.com.
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