Maricopa County is making waves in the workforce development world, having just snagged a national honor for its innovative program aimed at bettering job training access in its more remote corners. The program in question, Workforce 2 You, has been handed the Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration Award at the 2025 National Association of Workforce Boards Annual Forum—an accolade that speaks to the program's efficacy and originality in tackling employment training barriers.
"Economic security starts with access to opportunity," stated Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2, in recognition of the award, as noted by the Maricopa County website. Workforce 2 You was specifically designed to not only bring, but also to swiftly deliver those opportunities directly to rural communities—a decision that's begun to quickly reshape the local economic landscape. Launched in 2024, the program targets youth, veterans, dislocated workers, and other groups, ferrying them at no cost through accelerated job training that would otherwise clock in at a steep $20,000 per head.
The fresh accolade cements the county's status as a regional leader in cultivating local talent, precisely when the market needs it. The aim is to prop up high-demand industries like healthcare and manufacturing, with the program sporting impressive outcomes—out of the 53 participants that embraced the healthcare training last year, a notable 81 percent completion rate was recorded, outpacing the national average substantially.
The county's resolve toward bolstering these efforts has prompted renewed financial commitment, shown by a recently approved $500,000 grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family. This investment is set to nearly double the program's reach in 2025, enabling Workforce 2 You to increase its offering up to eight classes, and to widely accommodate a projected 96 participants. "This award reflects the power of partnership in Maricopa County's workforce development," Steve Clark, Executive Director of the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board, conveyed, as reported by the Maricopa County website. The success of this initiative is a product of the county harnessing powerful collaborations to meet the needs of both employers and job seekers head on.
And it is not just the residents who stand to benefit. By aligning itself with local businesses and educational institutions, the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board is creating a business-friendly environment that not only attracts new companies but also sets the stage for sustainable economic growth and community strengthening. The National Association of Workforce Boards, representing workforce development boards nationwide, hands out awards like the one Maricopa County has received to initiatives that foster robust partnerships driving workforce development, according to the Maricopa County website.
