Jewish Community Foundation Gift Expands Access to Career Training for Northern Arizona Students

Students pursuing careers in skilled trades, healthcare, public safety, and technology at Coconino Community College will have more opportunities to complete their education thanks to a new $100,000 scholarship commitment from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott (JCFGP).

The gift will fund Career Technical Education (CTE) scholarships for the upcoming academic year, helping students overcome financial barriers as they prepare for high-demand careers that strengthen local communities and fill critical workforce needs across Northern Arizona. The $100,000 commitment represents the largest annual scholarship investment dedicated to Career Technical Education students in Northern Arizona.

The scholarships will support students enrolled in career-focused programs including electrician, plumbing, HVAC, automotive technology, welding, commercial truck driving, solar and wind technology, computer technology, cybersecurity, computer networking, fire services, EMT, medical assistant, and nursing assistant programs.

The scholarship is expected to support approximately 35 to 40 students during the upcoming academic year. All CTE students are eligible, and applicants will be asked to describe how their education will help them achieve their personal and career goals. Students interested in career training at CCC are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to reduce the cost of their education.

For many CCC students, the cost of tuition, tools, equipment, certification exams, and transportation can stand in the way of completing their training. This scholarship investment will help students stay on track, earn industry-recognized credentials, and move more quickly into careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

“Our Foundation believes it is vital to champion the trades with the same level of commitment as our other educational paths,” said Peter Tibi, president of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott. “We want to ensure students pursuing these careers have the resources they need to succeed in essential occupations that support the well-being of our communities.”

College leaders say the scholarship will have a significant impact on students working toward career goals in some of the region's most in-demand fields.

“This gift will open doors for students who are ready to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Dr. Eric Heiser, president of Coconino Community College. “Many of our students are balancing work, family responsibilities, and school while pursuing careers that are critical to our region. By reducing financial barriers, this scholarship will help more students complete their training and enter the workforce with confidence.”

Dianna Sanchez, vice president of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives at Coconino Community College, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and economic opportunity.

“This investment is about people,” Sanchez said. “It's about helping students gain the skills needed for meaningful careers, strengthening the local workforce, and creating opportunities that benefit families and communities throughout Northern Arizona. We are deeply grateful to the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott for believing in our students and their potential.”

Students interested in applying for Career Technical Education scholarships can learn more by contacting the CCC Foundation at (928) 226-4348.