Phoenix Chamber Linked Students with Local Firms
The ElevateEdAZ program has connected area high school students with dozens of regional businesses for internships.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Internships
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The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has launched the ElevateEdAZ program to bridge regional talent gaps. This initiative facilitates partnerships between high school students and local companies across several key industries.
Why it matters
Companies often struggle to identify and retain local talent in a competitive market. By connecting students with professional opportunities, the program seeks to develop workforce skills and create a pipeline for future employment.
The ElevateEdAZ initiative currently coordinates with 100 businesses and more than 20 schools across the region. A recent cohort of three interns completed design projects during the spring 2026 semester.
The players
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
This regional business organization advocates for economic growth and connects local employers with the area workforce.
S Stone Solutions and Research Collective
This is a participating firm that has incorporated work from student interns into its core software.
The details
The program serves as a single entry point for employers, covering sectors like advanced manufacturing, financial services, and health sciences. Students gain professional experience through tasks such as software testing and user interviews, with some designs even integrated into core company software.
Timeline
Spring 2025: Rick Stone hired the initial two interns.
Fall 2025: S Stone Solutions and Research Collective joined the program.
Spring 2026: The intern cohort presented design projects at a final event.
September 2026: Article publication.
Market Landscape
The program follows a pattern set by the nationwide rise in industry-led apprenticeship models for high school students. This shift highlights a broader move toward developing internal talent pools to combat long-term industry skill shortages.
Local students gain direct access to professional software development and design experience within their own community. Meanwhile, regional businesses can address specific talent gaps by mentoring students who may eventually return to fill local jobs.
The takeaway
Early professional exposure helps students identify career paths while providing firms with fresh perspectives on their internal processes. Businesses should consider structured intern programs to build sustainable local talent pipelines.
Further reading
For additional insights on local workforce development, explore the Internships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KJZZ.
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