Addressing workforce needs: PVCC debuts Business Institute for community advancement
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has taken a bold step forward to align the demands of Arizona’s growing workforce with higher education. Data in the 2023 Lightcast Talent Attraction Scorecard ranked Maricopa County No. 1 nationally for adding skilled jobs and securing the second-highest position for competitiveness.
Additionally, as Arizona landed the third-highest percentage nationwide job growth ranking and the fifth-highest surge in skilled job growth, PVCC’s commitment to advancing business development becomes more important.
Connecting students with employers and onsite training
At the forefront of this effort is the Maricopa Business Institute (MBI) at PVCC, an integral component of PVCC’s workforce development initiatives. PVCC launched the MBI due to its strategic location in the Northeast Valley. Surrounded by a dynamic business ecosystem with major corporations, including USAA, American Express, TSMC, Honeywell, the Mayo Clinic, and HonorHealth, MBI creates opportunities for collaboration that foster an immersive learning environment for students.
“We have the opportunity to serve our partners and produce top talent, then continue to help them with on-the-job training,” said Brianna DeGeus, Ed.D., executive director of strategic partnerships at PVCC. “The Business Institute represents a strategic partnership to drive economic and workforce development while anticipating future workforce needs by providing proactive training and education, as well as partners in business development, retention and expansion.”
A crucial approach of the MBI is its focus on curating a la carte training programs that are highly customizable and cost-effective, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals while creating a pipeline of candidates for employers. The MBI offers 16 stackable credentials in in-demand industries that meet the growing needs of Arizona’s workforce, including career navigation, entrepreneurial education and training, leadership boot camps and executive coaching, on-the-job training, outreach services and learner support.
Education and practical application — bridging the gap
Since its launch in March 2023, MBI has made significant progress in bridging the gap between education and practical application. With over 100 students successfully placed in their respective fields, the institute continues to witness a steady rise in these numbers. As the program continues to grow, positive feedback from graduates and employers reaffirms the impact of the institute’s programs on workforce readiness and career advancement.
PVCC’s dedication to preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s business leaders goes beyond stackable certificate programs. In anticipation of the growing demand for specialized education in the business sector, PVCC was selected to offer the forthcoming Business Administration — Accounting (BBA) program to address the strong demand for accounting professionals. Pending approval from the MCCCD Governing Board and Higher Learning Commission, the BBA is slated to launch fall of 2025 and will provide students with an affordable, high-quality education that sets them up for greater academic and professional success. According to the 2024 American Association of Community Colleges Fast Facts, choosing a bachelor’s degree from Maricopa Community Colleges could save students more than $7,000 annually compared to university tuition fees.
Commitment beyond the classroom
The MBI’s commitment extends beyond its academic opportunities as PVCC actively cultivates strong partnerships with leading companies, including American Express, Honeywell, HonorHealth and the Mayo Clinic, and emerging collaborations with Banner Health, offering students unparalleled access to internships, mentorship and employment opportunities. These partnerships with industry leaders allow PVCC to be at the forefront of industry trends and gain insights into emerging technologies, evolving workforce demands and changing skill requirements.
Partnerships with PVCC offer students direct pathways to career opportunities through exposure to business leaders and potential employers. In contrast, businesses gain access to a talent pool educated in contemporary practices and the ability to influence curriculum development to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The MBI aims to offer our corporate partners opportunities to support employers in recruitment and employee retention through upskilling and career advancement.