Education Forward Arizona

05/19/2026

Education Forward Arizona is proud to welcome Ricardo Lopez Valencia as Senior Vice President of Education and Workforce Alignment. A respected executive, strategist, and civic leader, Ricardo brings more than 30 years of experience across education, workforce development, business, and community leadership, with consistent focus on expanding opportunity for students and adult learners.

In this role, he will help deepen collaboration among schools, postsecondary institutions, employers, and community partners—engaging superintendents, educators, and business leaders—while advancing integrated education and training pathways that help more Arizonans see, understand, and navigate their routes to meaningful work and long-term economic opportunity. His appointment reflects Education Forward Arizona’s commitment to standing with learners and building a more aligned and effective education-to-workforce ecosystem statewide.

Please join us in welcoming Ricardo.

05/18/2026

Imagine an Arizona where every student, starting in middle school, can see a clear pathway to their future; where superintendents and business leaders are working together to write the state’s talent strategy; and where education, workforce, and economic goals are finally aligned. That’s the education-to-workforce ecosystem Education Forward Arizona is trying to build as we carry Arizona Business & Education Coalition’s (ABEC) mission into its next expanded phase.

Read the full blog to learn more: https://educationforwardarizona.org/?p=7259

05/14/2026

Arizona students have valuable perspectives to share on the future of education in our state. The Arizona State Board of Education Student Advisory Panel application is now open for high school students interested in advocacy, leadership, and education policy. Panel members will provide student input on key education topics, learn more about how education decisions are made at the state level, and elevate important issues directly to the Board.

Students eligible to apply must be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2026–2027 school year and enrolled in an Arizona district, charter, private, online school, or participate in homeschool/ESA.

Know a student who would be a great fit for this opportunity? Share and encourage them to apply:

This form is used to apply to be considered for a position on the Arizona State Board of Education Student Advisory Panel. The application should be completed by the student applying for a position. The purpose of the Student Advisory Panel is to be able to share student input and insight with the B...

05/13/2026

The long-term prosperity of Arizona’s economy and citizenry requires that we move beyond isolated efforts in K–12, postsecondary, and workforce. The state needs a coherent education-to-workforce continuum that every learner can navigate, and every employer can rely on. That is the vision driving our next chapter at Education Forward Arizona—and why we are stepping forward as the aligned successor to Arizona Business & Education Coalition’s (ABEC) mission. It’s time that we do more for students, communities, and the economy.

Read the full press release to learn more: https://educationforwardarizona.org/abec-to-transfer-assets-to-education-forward-arizona-to-expand-business-education-partnership-and-strengthen-arizonas-education-to-workforce-continuum/

05/08/2026

Our President & CEO Rich Nickel joined fellow panelists Katie Ratlief of Common Sense Institute Arizona and John Ward of the Arizona Department of Education for a solutions-focused discussion on Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) at Center for the Future of Arizona, moderated, by President and CEO Tregg White from the Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation.

Together, the panel explored what’s working, where challenges remain, and how we can better serve Arizona students and families.

Thank you to the Center for the Future of Arizona for hosting this important conversation, and to the Arizona Local News Foundation and participating reporters for creating space for thoughtful, data-informed dialogue that moves beyond debate and toward solutions.

Arizona’s students deserve policies grounded in outcomes, transparency, and opportunity.

To learn more about the 2026 ESA ballot measures in Arizona, read our latest Education Explainer: https://educationforwardarizona.org/understanding-the-2026-esa-ballot-measures-in-arizona/

05/08/2026

This week, we’re celebrating the educators across Arizona who help students build confidence, reach their goals, and prepare for what comes next. 💛

From early learning through postsecondary pathways, teachers play a critical role in helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed for school, career, and Arizona’s future workforce.

Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, strengthening student success, expanding opportunity, and helping build a stronger future for our state.

Thank you for all that you do, and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

05/05/2026

Arizona’s economy depends on a well-prepared workforce. Education investments should support that goal by helping more students be prepared for post secondary education and training and be ready to enter high-demand careers.

Education Forward Arizona encourages voters to research each ballot measure gathering signatures.

Read our new Education Explainer to learn more: https://educationforwardarizona.org/understanding-the-2026-esa-ballot-measures-in-arizona/

05/04/2026

Don’t miss Education Forward Arizona’s May Education Power Hour as we explore the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) across our state.

Our guest speakers will share insights on the many benefits students gain from participating in CTE courses during high school, talk about both urban and rural programs statewide and discuss how students can earn industry credentials while still in high school.

CTE programs equip students with real-world skills, hands-on experience, and clear pathways into high-demand careers—often at little to no cost. As Arizona’s economy continues to grow, these programs play a critical role in preparing students for both postsecondary education and the workforce.

Save your spot: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_S7FqNrJsRa6D50AbZLsKOA...

Guest speakers:
Kevin Imes, Arizona Department of Education
Amy West, WAVE JTED
Merrill Kemp-Wilcox, Pima JTED

05/01/2026

Happy Decision Day to the Class of 2026! 🎓

Your hard work has opened new doors, and your future is full of possibility. We look forward to seeing what’s next!

04/30/2026

Happy Community College Month!🎓

Our team visited students at to hear about their experiences—and their stories say it all.

From affordable and flexible pathways to education and training aligned with in-demand careers, community colleges are helping Arizonans build the skills and credentials needed for today’s workforce.

As Arizona continues to grow, community colleges play a critical role in preparing learners for what is next and for what is needed. A stronger workforce starts with access, opportunity, and the right pathways. When we invest in community colleges, we invest in Arizona’s future.

04/29/2026

For a decade, Prop 123 played a critical role in supporting Arizona’s public education system.

It expired in summer 2025, and despite clear urgency, lawmakers have failed to renew it—putting additional strain on the general fund in a year of competing priorities.

It is a straightforward responsibility of state leadership to ensure continuity in a voter-backed funding mechanism that directly benefits students and classrooms across the state.

Arizona voters and business leaders have already shown their support. Our students deserve a clean renewal of Prop 123 on the November 2026 ballot.

It is time for Arizona lawmakers to set aside political differences, fulfill their responsibility, and act with the urgency and seriousness this issue demands. Arizona’s students, educators, and future workforce cannot afford any more delays.

https://educationforwardarizona.org/whats-the-holdup-on-renewing-prop-123/