GRANTEE:                   Maricopa Workforce Connection, Inc.

ADDRESS:                  234 North Central Avenue, #3201

                             Phoenix, AZ  85004

AMOUNT:                    $3,000,000

DURATION:                January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  The project will serve 510 incumbent and underemployed workers and 90 unemployed workers (600 total) in the Information Technology (IT), Engineering/Manufacturing, and Biotechnology fields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  Project will utilize a variety of training providers and service delivery strategies to meet the various needs of participants and partner employers.  Training will be provided through traditional classroom instruction, distance learning modules, interactive media, mentorship, flexible class scheduling, traditional technology labs and mobile computer labs.

Partnering employers are providing $1,879,260 in match funds while other partners are providing $3,000 in match funds. 

For unemployed workers, 87 percent will be placed in jobs through this program.  For incumbent workers, 100 percent will receive an industry-recognized certification or license.  These will include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Professional, Advanced Computer-Aided Design, and other Biotechnology, IT and advanced manufacturing certificates issued by the university and community college partners.

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  Maricopa County Human Services Department, Maricopa County Workforce Development Division, AG Communication Systems, Apollo Group, Banner Health System, Brooks Automation, Honeywell, IBM, Intel, Motorola, Three Five Systems, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Arizona State University, ESI International, JACMET2, University of Advancing Technology, Interface Technical Training, Western International University, Maricopa Community Colleges.

MEDIA CONTACT:    Susan Schmidt

                            (602) 506-0584