The City of Chandler has joined forces with Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) to enhance the career readiness of local high school students, through a partnership both entities believe positions the young residents of Chandler for future success. A $10,000 investment from the city has paved the way for more students to secure industry-recognized credentials during the 2024–25 academic year, as detailed in a press release from the City of Chandler's official website.
Initiated by Chandler City Councilmembers Jane Poston and Angel Encinas, the funding supported both career exploration and the actual acquisition of credentials at several of Chandler's high schools. "This partnership is a win for our students, our schools, and Chandler’s growing business community,” Councilmember Jane Poston explained. Mirroring this sentiment, Councilmember Angel Encinas stated in the City of Chandler announcement, "By investing in credentialing and career exposure, we are opening doors to real opportunities for Chandler students." Their intention, seemingly to foster a symbiosis between educational preparation and the business ecosystem.
Highlights from the program included the Build 4 Tomorrow Career Expo and the subsidy of assessment vouchers for students to gain certifications in specific domains like automotive technologies and sports medicine. In fact, during the 2024-25 school year, 2,317 CUSD students participated in credentialing exams, with 265 credential earners aged 18 or older, poised to step into the workforce, as reported by the City of Chandler.
Superintendent Frank Narducci expressed gratitude, outlining that more than 100 vouchers were provided for critical assessments, allowing students from various high schools to earn credentials in key fields. According to the City of Chandler release, "CUSD is grateful for the City of Chandler’s support in expanding access to industry credentials," said Superintendent Frank Narducci, asserting that the collaboration is about equipping students with skills that are valuable well past graduation.
Chandler's Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are diverse and aimed at completing at least one career pathway for each enrolled student. The fields range from Agriscience to sUAS Drone technology, broadly encompassing areas such as Digital Animation, Culinary Arts, and Software and App Design. This alliance between the City of Chandler and CUSD exemplifies a strategic focus on aligning educational opportunities with the economic and workforce trends of the region.
