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Workforce
Development

We will open pathways to better paying jobs.

PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: MEET JADE AND ABIGAEL

Through our Pathways to Economic Opportunity program, participants gain access to mentorship, job skills training and work-based learning experiences designed to help them prepare for sustainable careers. Through mentorship relationships like the one between Abigael, a lawyer, and Jade, an aspiring diesel mechanic, participants are able to grow their confidence as they navigate their professional journeys.

This work helps create pathways to long-term economic stability and opportunity for young women across the Valley.

United Is the Way Opportunity Grows

A good job does more than provide a paycheck. It creates stability for families, strengthens local businesses and helps entire communities thrive. When we invest in people and remove barriers to employment, we’re creating pathways to economic mobility that benefit generations to come.

How We Create Change

Career Readiness

Preparing individuals with the skills, training and support needed to compete for in-demand careers.

Work-Based Learning

Expanding access to internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and real-world experience that prepare people for long-term success.

Fair Chance Employment

Helping employers embrace inclusive hiring practices while creating new opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment.

Employer Partnerships

Working alongside businesses to strengthen Arizona’s workforce and create more pathways to economic mobility.

Featured Programs

Pathways to Economic Opportunity

This initiative gives Black and Latina young women in the Phoenix area resources to close the wealth gap, by providing job skills training, wrap around supports, financial literacy workshops, work experiences, as well as access to professional women mentors.

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Fair Chance Collaborative

Valley of the Sun United Way’s new Fair Chance Collaborative aims to arm businesses with the resources and tools needed to incorporate Fair Chance hiring practices.

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Creating a Stronger Workforce Together

We are committed not only to providing resources that help individuals prepare for jobs that pay a living wage, but also to increasing the number of people in our community who achieve higher-paying, sustainable careers. This important work depends on the expertise, dedication, and on-the-ground knowledge of our workforce development partners. Together, these community leaders and organizations focus on our shared workforce development goals, designing programs, building strategies, and creating pathways that lead to lasting impact for individuals and families.

All listed partners have received grant funding from Valley of the Sun United Way

A New Leaf
Arizona Career Pathways
Arizona Technology Council Foundation
Arouet Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
College Bound AZ
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
Helping Hands for Single Moms
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates
Junior Achievement of Arizona
Live & Learn
Neighborhood Ministries
Per Scholas
Solari
Southwest Human Development
Televerde Foundation
UMOM New Day Centers
Year Up

Explore Other Essential Areas

kids running through the threshold of their home

Housing & Homelessness

Ensuring all can have a safe home to call their own.

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children sitting on a classroom rug clapping

Education

Closing opportunity gaps to ensure children read at grade level by 3rd grade and youth are prepared for educational success and employment.

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