Grand Canyon Times

Career and technical education districts (CTEDs) in Arizona will soon be able to offer associate degrees thanks to a new law aimed at expanding access to higher education while boosting the state's future workforce.

Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) signed the bill that would enhance Arizona's "school-to-career pipeline" on April 29, according to a press release.

"Arizona's career and technical education districts are equipping students with the skills to fill the jobs of tomorrow," Ducey said in the release. "These high schools are teaching the 'shop' classes of the 21st century — often integrating with industry partners and providing students with real-world experience in top industries. Now, students will have higher education at their fingertips in a familiar setting."

Ducey thanked state Rep. Michell Udall (R-Mesa) who helped spearhead the bill.

According to the release, Udall thanked Ducey for his commitment to expand education options and called the law "an exciting opportunity for students in pursuit of an associate degree." 

Mesa's East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is one district that plans to offer associate degrees under the new law. Dr. Chad Wilson, EVIT superintendent, said the law "is good for our students, communities, industry partners, tax payers and the great state of Arizona."