Shelly Allen, Asst. Economic Development Director, City of Mesa, AZ, in conversation with Amee Godwin, of ISKME, for CompletionMatters.org, Conversations on College Completion

Shelly Allen describes the partnership between the City of Mesa, AZ, Mesa Community College and the Mesa School District to help low income youth be more aware and more successful in completing a postsecondary credential. The project is part of the Communities Learning in Partnership (CLIP)-funded project.

Data gathered on completion in Mesa show that 50% of students in high school apply to college, yet only 6% complete. The community is focusing on the need for an educated workforce. A professional development pilot program brought together K-12 and community college faculty to align curriculum and shared learning goals. The city's is defining its new role in education in terms of economic development and sustainability through working directly with local business partners, including Boeing, First Solar, and Banner Health, to collaborate the future of the local workforce.