Title
Authorization to Contract with Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation for the Elevate Education Workforce Development Program (Ordinance S-51675) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to contract with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation to fund the Elevate Education Workforce Development Program (ElevateEdAZ) in the Phoenix school districts. The aggregate amount for this contract will not exceed $750,000. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. Funding is available in the Community and Economic Development Department's (CEDD) Strategic Economic Development Fund.
Report
Summary
ElevateEdAZ, which is managed by the Greater Phoenix Chamber through its Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, works with school partners to support students in completing industry-recognized credentials, attaining early post-secondary credit, and participating in work-based learning experiences. ElevateEdAZ also works closely with career and technical education programs on preparing students for careers in high-wage occupations within high-demand industries.
On September 21, 2022, City Council supported the original partnership by authorizing CEDD contract with the Foundation to expand ElevatEdAZ in Phoenix schools. During that 17-month contract, the following outcomes were achieved at four Phoenix high schools:
- 187 job shadow experiences and 19 internships for students.
- Career awareness events reaching over 10,000 students.
- Increased the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials by 318.
- Increased the number of dual enrollment students by 1,779.
- Increased enrollment in high-wage, high-demand career and technical education pathways by 1,463.
Re-connecting to this program would allow access to an established 501(c)(3) partner and facilitate the Mayor's and City Council’s priority of developing the future workforce of Phoenix. The program budget will be focused on funding contractual agreements to further develop and maintain this program in Phoenix. This proposed contract and funding will support program staffing, program development, and incentives to increase the number of high school students completing high-wage, high-demand career pathways. To better align with the traditional school calendar, CEDD proposes an initial 15-month contract for $300,000, with three one-year renewal options for $150,000 annually. This partnership provides access to a proven program model and aligns with existing City efforts to support workforce development in under-served communities.
ElevateEdAZ operates on 21 high school campuses within Maricopa County, thirteen of which are in Phoenix. Educational partners Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, Deer Valley Unified School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District, and Phoenix Union High School District.
Procurement Information
In compliance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, an exception to the procurement process was approved to select this vendor. A direct selection was made as the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide services as its programs are currently operating in Phoenix schools.
Contract Term
If approved, the contract will begin on or around April 1, 2025 with a term of 15 months with three one-year renewals.
Financial Impact
The total aggregate contract value will not exceed $750,000. The Community and Economic Development Department has funding available within the department's Strategic Economic Development Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee meeting recommended approval on February 12, 2025 by a vote of 3-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.