Talent is a critical factor in moving Arizona towards a globally competitive economy. The following programs target education and knowledge worker development:

• The Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Wendy Vittori, VP and General Manager, Motorola, Inc. focused on investments in education and telecommunications infrastructure to improve Arizona’s talent base and provide access to all who wish to participate in the global economy. For more details, please click on the Moving Education and Telecommunications Infrastructure Forward Report or the recommendations summary of the Strategic Planning Committee.
  
  
• The Education Sub Committee, led by Barbara Clark, Manager, Arizona Community Relations and Education, Motorola, identified educator preparation and formative assessments as priorities. More information about the committee’s recommendations can be found in the Education Sub Committee summary.
  
  
• The GCIT Education Sub Committee recommendations are currently being incorporated in the P-20 Council, established to align education and workforce efforts for all ages and the recently commissioned education alignment study.
  
  
• Governor Janet Napolitano implemented voluntary all-day kindergarten statewide. More than 130 Arizona schools received state funding for voluntary full-day kindergarten programs.
  
  
• The Arizona Department of Commerce revised the Arizona Job Training Program for easier access by small businesses and firms in high growth fields
  
  
• The Arizona Department of Commerce secured funding to establish a cross-training program, specifically targeting Aerospace and Defense industries. A pilot program is currently under development.
  
  
• The Southern Arizona high-tech businesses and higher education communities developed the “high-tech intern” website.
  
  
• Arizona is receiving a $3.4 million grant from the US Department of Labor to fund the development of new curricula in software quality engineering (SQE) for Arizona community colleges. This Arizona Information Technology Skills Training Initiative will be implemented through a coordinated effort of IBM, Northland Pioneer College, Mesa Community College and the Arizona Department of Commerce.