The Blackstone Charitable Foundation has announced a $3 million grant to launch the Blackstone Skilled Futures program. This initiative is a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), Maricopa Community Colleges, and local nonprofit organizations. The program’s goal is to expand access to training and workforce development in construction and advanced manufacturing within the Phoenix area.
Blackstone Skilled Futures will provide support for students who need financial assistance, help build capacity for training institutions, and offer additional resources so that learners can pursue education, certifications, and employment in these fields. High school students will also benefit from career-connected programming designed to create pathways into postsecondary training and industry credentials for jobs that are high-wage, high-demand, and require specialized skills.
Arizona’s growing sectors such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and semiconductors have led to increased demand for skilled workers in construction and advanced manufacturing. The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity projects that by 2031 the state will add 37,000 new construction jobs—including 13,000 electricians and 3,000 HVACR technicians—and over 30,000 advanced manufacturing jobs by 2033.
“It’s getting harder and harder for people to find good-paying, stable jobs without a college degree, but this investment helps change that,” said U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego. “By preparing Arizona students for careers in high-demand fields like construction, manufacturing and energy, we can strengthen our local businesses, keep our state competitive and help more people build their careers and families in Arizona.”
The program aims to award scholarships to 4,000 students; introduce skilled trades to 3,500 new students; enroll 5,000 students in training or apprenticeships; and support 1,000 job placements. Resources offered include scholarships, dual-enrollment credits, OSHA training through ASU’s Del E. Webb School of Construction in partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges’ Academic Alliances program — ASU was recently recognized as the top university for innovation — recruitment tools, and employer connections.
Maura Pally of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation stated: “The demand for skilled trades is growing, and these careers are the backbone of a thriving Arizona community. The Blackstone Charitable Foundation is committed to opening doors for individuals to gain the training, tools and opportunities they need to succeed. By investing in skilled trades, we’re not just helping to meet today’s demand, we’re supporting a stronger future for the city and the people who call it home.”
At Friday’s launch event at South Mountain Community College were several officials including Alex Katz from Blackstone; Todd Sanders of Greater Phoenix Chamber; U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego; Greg Blank from Blackstone Infrastructure Strategies; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; Erica Lock from Blackstone Charitable Foundation; Steven Gonzales of Maricopa Community Colleges; Sybil Francis from Center for the Future of Arizona; Maura Pally from Blackstone Charitable Foundation; U.S. Representative Greg Stanton; Mike Forman from Blackstone Real Estate; Kyle Squires from ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering; and Nancy Gonzales of ASU.
Nancy Gonzales said: “ASU is honored to work closely on this grant with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and the Maricopa Community Colleges… We share a mission of student excellence, access and impact… this collaboration is a direct reflection of ASU’s commitment to transfer student success.”
The colleges will work with partners such as Center for the Future of Arizona—which leads efforts connecting education leaders with industry through its Pathways to Prosperity initiative—Greater Phoenix Chamber and other local entities involved in workforce development. These groups aim to recruit students across different backgrounds while providing technical assistance and scholarships.
Sybil Francis added: “Building the workforce of the future requires collaboration… We are proud to join [these partners]… Together we’re providing all Arizonans with access to training and opportunities…”
Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Steven R. Gonzales commented: “Maricopa Community Colleges have a rich history of training skilled workers… As the largest provider of workforce training in Arizona we are developing the next generation…”
Through this collective effort among educational institutions and nonprofits—and engagement with employers—the program seeks rapid expansion of access for high schoolers as well as adult learners interested in entering high-wage trade careers.
