FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Shannon Sowby, shannonsowbypr@gmail.com, 602.615.6235
Diana Figueroa, dfigueroa@educationforwardarizona.org, (602) 206-8572

Nov. 12, 2025 – Education Forward Arizona released “The Future of Attainment in Arizona,” a new statewide report underscoring the importance of education and training beyond high school to the state’s long-term economic growth, workforce readiness, and quality of life. 

The report details Arizona’s progress toward the Achieve60AZ goal, an effort to ensure that 60% of adults ages 25-64 hold a degree or professional credential by 2030. It also outlines the next steps needed to build a stronger, more inclusive education-to-workforce pipeline. 

“Arizona’s growing economy depends on a well-educated, well-prepared workforce,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “By investing in our students – from early learning through higher education and training – and by ensuring strong partnerships with employers, we’re preparing Arizona to lead for decades to come.” 

“The Future of Attainment in Arizona” highlights the interconnectedness of Arizona’s education and economic systems, emphasizing that nearly seven in ten jobs in the state will soon require education or training beyond high school. It highlights the importance of increased collaboration among education leaders, businesses, and policymakers to meet dynamic workforce needs.

“Arizona’s future prosperity depends on dramatically increasing educational attainment and creating opportunities for every Arizonan to gain the training and credentials they need to thrive in high-skill, high-wage professions,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “We’ve made meaningful progress, but now is the time to accelerate efforts by expanding access, strengthening readiness, and ensuring education and workforce systems move forward together.”

Sybil Francis, President and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona, echoed this focus on collaboration: “Arizonans believe a highly educated and skilled population is key to our future. They want more people to pursue education and training beyond high school to step into quality job opportunities and help communities thrive,” said Francis. “Reaching our attainment goal means working together across education, business, and government to create clear, accessible pathways from high school into postsecondary education, training, and meaningful careers. When we do, the return is powerful—everyone benefits from a stronger workforce, a more vibrant economy, and greater opportunity for all who call Arizona home.”

The report also highlights the importance of aligning education outcomes with workforce demand, particularly in high-growth sectors such as healthcare and semiconductor manufacturing. It encourages statewide adoption of approaches that expand pathways to opportunity for more Arizonans, such as skills-based hiring, competency-based education, and short-term credential programs that allow more Arizonans to upskill quickly and enter good-paying jobs.

Learn more and read the full report here.

About Education Forward Arizona

Education Forward Arizona is a statewide education advocacy organization dedicated to championing education as the key driver to improving Arizona’s economy and quality of life. Education Forward Arizona serves as the leading voice for promoting the state’s Achieve 60AZ education attainment goal and a shared action plan to move the goals of the Arizona Education Progress Meter forward. The organization’s work also includes mobilizing people and communities to advocate for policies and funding to improve educational outcomes across the Pre-K to postsecondary continuum, as well as providing scholarships and programs that improve postsecondary attainment for Arizona’s diverse student population. Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org.

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