Archive for Career and Technical Education

CONSTRUCTION OF JOINT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE CULINARY FACILITY WITH MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION DISTRICT CANCELLED FOR CHINO VALLEY CAMPUS

College says options are being reviewed for location at one of the other campuses but provides no other explanation for sudden change

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board was informed during its February 20 meeting that the College, in collaboration with the Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED), was planning to establish a culinary training facility at the College’s Chino Valley Center. It was described as an initiative that stemmed  from the success of the training program already in place at Prescott High School under the auspices of the Mountain Institute.

The proposed facility, estimated to cost approximately $1.5 million, was to be jointly financed, with each partner contributing $750,000 towards construction. Pending approval by the District Governing Board at its upcoming May meeting, construction was expected to proceed forthwith.

However, to the surprise of everyone, the College announced, without explanation,  in the March 2024 Facilities Management Newsletter that  the “MICTED/YC Culinary . . . project is canceled for the Chino Valley Agribusiness Center. Options are being reviewed for the possibility of housing this program at one of the other YC campuses or centers.”

The Community College has provided no other information about the sudden change in plans.

It is noteworthy that the Community College and MICTED currently operate a joint culinary training program at 216 Cortez Street in Prescott.

EDUCATING ARIZONA’S WORKFORCE: GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN PHOENIX LAUNCHES EV PROGRAM TO MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR TECHNICIANS: IS YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DRAGGING ITS FEET IN THIS AREA?

Yavapai Community College says it is following advice from unnamed secret advisory committee in not seriously exploring starting EV program; cost, need for expensive equipment, and proprietary rules are also claimed as barriers

Yavapai Community College has invested over half a million dollars, possibly more, in developing a curriculum for a highly speculative 3D home concrete printing project, purportedly to position itself at the forefront of this innovation. However, on the flip side, the institution appears to have long resisted initiating training programs for electric vehicle (EV) technicians, EV charging installers, and EV charging maintenance technicians, especially on the east side of Mingus. This reluctance is reportedly driven by an unnamed secret west side Career and Technical Education Committee advising Dean John Morgan against this initiative. Dean Morgan also says cost,  a need for specialized equipment and proprietary rules prevent the College from moving forward.

According to a press release from Maricopa Gateway Community College, a report from the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy highlights Arizona’s emergence as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for the number of registered electric vehicles. Notable industry players such as Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle, and ElectraMeccanica have collectively invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, cementing the state’s position as a key player in the EV and battery sectors for years to come.

To hear Dean Morgan’s statement regarding an EV program made to the District Governing Board on February 20, 2024, CLICK HERE. The video discusses the challenges of maintaining and training technicians for electronic vehicles due to the proprietary rules of car manufacturers, with a $300,000 cost for a single class and the need for specialized tools and equipment. 

To hear a similar statement made to the District Governing Board about an EV program by Dean Morgan on November 15, 2022, please CLICK HERE.  

PRESS RELEASE FROM GATEWAY COLLEGE:

By GateWay Community College

Jan 17, 2024

In a transformative moment for Phoenix, GateWay Community College (GWCC) is poised to lead the charge into the future with its revolutionary Electric Vehicle (EV) program. In collaboration with Legacy EV, a market leader in aftermarket EV applications, the program positions GateWay as a leader in EV education. Legacy EV’s expertise in electric vehicle technology and commitment to fostering innovation makes them an ideal collaborator for this groundbreaking venture.

“I am proud of GateWay and Legacy EV’s commitment to innovation through the Electric Vehicle program. Together, we are educating students and developing the talent that will drive the electric automobile revolution,” said Amy Diaz, Ed.D., president, GateWay Community College.

Arizona’s EV dominance

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, Arizona has emerged as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for number of registered electric vehicles. Significant players like Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle and ElectraMeccanica have invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, solidifying the state’s status as a top player in the EV and battery industries for years to come.

Economic impact and employment opportunities

GateWay’s EV program is a forward-thinking effort crucial to meeting the rising demand for skilled EV technicians. As part of Arizona’s dynamic EV manufacturing ecosystem, the program aligns seamlessly with Phoenix’s commitment to transportation electrification and a sustainable future. Karen Apple, electric vehicles program manager with the city of Phoenix, emphasizes the significance of qualified EV technicians in achieving Phoenix’s EV goals.

“The city of Phoenix is excited about GateWay’s program and partnership with Legacy EV. Qualified EV technicians are needed to support the city’s goal of having 280,000 EVs on the roads of Phoenix by 2030,” said Apple.

Nurturing skilled professionals

GWCC and Legacy EV are at the forefront of cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the EV industry. The transformative EV program empowers individuals to navigate EV systems intricately, from diagnostics to repairs, ensuring preparedness for the evolving automotive landscape.

Catalyst for change and economic growth

The economic impact of GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program aligns with the surging growth in the EV market. The program catalyzes change, symbolizing GWCC’s dedication to sustainability and offering opportunities for those aspiring to be at the forefront of the EV revolution.

“Over three years ago, we saw the growing demand for properly trained EV technicians was not being met,” said Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV. “The realization that the automotive repair market was not preparing for the EV transition led us to pioneer one of the nation’s first education programs for the next generation of auto technicians. We assembled a team of some of Arizona’s top educators who understand the importance of quality content that gives students the skills necessary to succeed in the changing auto industry. Within just a few short years, our training program has been implemented across the country, as well as Canada. Based in Tempe, Arizona, it was clear that leveraging our education program with GateWay Community College was a perfect partnership to make the Phoenix area a national hub for EV workforce development.”

Anticipated program launch: Late 2024/early 2025

As Phoenix advances its plans for transportation electrification, GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program stands as an exemplar, illustrating how education can shape a sustainable and prosperous future. The collaboration with Legacy EV underscores a commitment to excellence, ensuring that GateWay’s graduates become pioneers in the swiftly evolving landscape of EV technology. Eager anticipation surrounds the unfolding program for its positive impact on the community and the broader EV industry within the economic region.

For further information on GateWay Community College’s Electric Vehicle program launch, expected between late 2024 and early 2025, please visit gatewaycc.edu.

The Maricopa County Community College District includes 10 individually-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs.

 

 

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S TEN MILLION DOLLAR SENSORY INTEGRATION ACCELERATOR PROJECT FOR CTEC APPEARS TO HAVE COLLAPSED AS FUNDING EVAPORATES

Project was  intended to expand CTEC up to 20,000 square feet and introduce new programs

During the May 2023 Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming 2023-24 year was approved, one of the most unexpected developments was the decision to allocate $10 million over the next three years for the expansion of the existing 108,000 square foot, eight-acre Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). The expansion was intended to increase CTEC’s size by an additional 20,000 square feet. According to the College budget catalog furnished to residents at the meeting, “within the expanded space, the college will construct new programs and move a few existing programs to meet Freeport’s current and future workforce needs. Specifically, this space will be used to train technicians with the newest automation and AI technologies.”

The suddenness of this decision caught many attendees by surprise, leaving them with limited information about the specific details and rationale behind the expansion. There were no clarifications given at the meeting regarding why the specific amount of $10 million was chosen, nor was there any disclosure regarding what portion of funding that might come from state grants, federal grants, or private industry.

Requests for additional information made to the Community College’s Public Relations Department about the proposed project and where the money was coming from were ignored.

However, as suddenly as the project appeared in the 2023-24 budget, it is now disappearing. At the February 20 Board meeting, Vice President Clint Ewell announced that the project was cancelled. In a slide explaining the proposed 2024-25 budget, the line item identifying the project is now blank (covered over with yellow).

The explanation given at the Board meeting by the College was that anticipated grant funding was not forthcoming.

Please see the proposed capital budget in draft form below as shown by Vice President Ewell to the Board on February 20, 2024.

SHOWCASE HOMES BUILT BY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON CHINO VALLEY CENTER NOT CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPANCY

Administration says they are only  “demonstration homes.” Is this another Governing Board failure to provide adequate information,  transparency and accountability in overseeing how funds are spent on a  taxpayer-supported project?

Recall that back on January 27, 2020, the District Governing Board showed no opposition to a proposal made by the College executives to spend almost a half million dollars to purchase two 3D concrete printers. The information given to the Board at the time suggested that the printers could complete the foundation, interior, and exterior walls for a medium-sized home in 3-5 days.

After roofing, electrical, plumbing, and other services were installed, it was thought that these 3D printed homes could help alleviate Yavapai College’s attainable housing shortage by providing temporary housing for staff, faculty, or students. This innovative approach seemed like a promising solution to a pressing problem.

However, after Governing Board approval and the investment of the half million dollars, the College eventually had to scrap the purchased 3D printers and construct their own, using its own staff and materials. The purchased printers were not fit for the purpose intended by the College.

The next bit of information surfaced in December 2020, when a brief announcement in the College’s Facilities Management Newsletter revealed ongoing work to equip the 3D housing sites (possibly three of them) at the Chino Valley Center with essential utilities. The announcement stated, “Facilities Management is aiding the 3D house printing project by installing electrical, data, and water services for up to three houses at the construction site. Moreover, the Chino Ag Center will serve as a platform to display the program’s capabilities.”

However, since December 2020, Yavapai Community College’s disclosure about the status of the 3D homes has been at best sparse. That changed slightly when, during a brief moment at the November 26, 2023, Governing Board meeting, some light was shed on this project.

The scrap of information came in response to a succinct question from Chair Deb McCasland about the status of those homes. “What is the plan for the houses built on the Chino Valley Campus?” she asked. In response, Community College Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Clint Ewell, surprised some listeners by stating: “Those are actually not certified for occupancy. So those will just be basically demonstration homes.”

Recall, as noted earlier, that since 2020 many, if not most, had assumed that the 3D cement homes being constructed would, when completed, provide temporary housing for College faculty, staff, or students. But as clarified in Ms. McCasland’s query, this will not be the case. They cannot be occupied!

It is worth noting that the total amount, running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, invested by the College in this endeavor remains hidden from the public. The District Governing Board, charged with the dual responsibility of judiciously using taxpayer funds and keeping the community informed about spending, seems to have missed the mark over the past three years in ensuring transparency and accountability for this project.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM RECEIVES REACCREDITATION FROM THE ASE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Program accredited in maintenance and light repair through 2028

The Yavapai Community College automotive program announced in a December 7 press release, authored by Tyler Rumsey, that it has received ASE Training Program reaccreditation from the ASE Education Foundation. The automotive program has been accredited in maintenance and light repair through 2028.

The College reported that to achieve the reaccreditation, its automotive program underwent a rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used. The program was reaccredited in maintenance light

John Morgan, Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education explained the reaccreditation process. He  said: “During the past few months, we have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants. The efforts of Jerrad Smith as the lead to get this accomplished are noticeable, and I want to commend the entire Automotive Department at Yavapai College for their continued excellence.”

YC offers two degrees and four certificates in automotive and diesel technology at its CTEC facility located at the Prescott airport.

Source:  https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2023/12/auto.html.

ESTIMATED COST FOR CONSTRUCTING COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESCOTT VALLEY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER LEAPS IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS FROM ESTIMATED $14.52 MILLION TO $39 MILLION; TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE JUMPED FROM SEPT ESTIMATE OF 30,000 TO OCTOBER ESTIMATE OF 56,000

New plans also include an 18,000 square foot Conference Center as part of project that will compete with private resorts and public centers for business. College  already has spent $5.8 million improving Prescott Valley Center in 2017; plus unknown amounts in 2019 and 2023 to purchase land and complete phase 2 of its expansion

In November 2022, Yavapai Community College executives presented a list of priority projects to the residents of Yavapai County and the District Governing Board, one of which involved expanding the Health Sciences Center now located at the Prescott Valley Center.  At the time, the experts estimated the expansion to cost about $14.52 million. The District Governing Board approved the request in concept, except for the Third District’s representative at the time, Mr. Paul Chevalier. 

In May 2023, when the 2023-2024 budget was unanimously approved, the Prescott Valley Center Health Sciences project in concept was scheduled to begin the planning stage in 2026. However, it now appears from the timeline sketch provided by the College at the October 2023 District Governing Board meeting (see sketch below), that plans for beginning the project  from concept to reality began only a month  following the May meeting.  A huge change!

The plans, as unveiled in October, include an 18,000 square foot conference center on the third floor. The total cost of the project has increased from $14.52 million to $39 million with $9 million allocated for the third floor conference center. The College suggests that it may obtain funding assistance from the state and federal governments for the project.

When the Community College announced its $39 million project in October 2023 some County residents pondered whether they may have been intentionally misled by the November 2022 presentation and the $14.52 price tag, only to discover eleven months later that the College was now intending a $39 million dollar project. Other community members are also questioning the wisdom of adding a conference center as a part of the Health Sciences building for an estimated $9 million that may directly compete with private resorts and small cities for conference business. That idea for a conference center does not appear in the Master Plan and was not discussed in November 2022 when the concept was approved.

However, residents’ concerns will have little or no impact. Residents have learned that incredible differences in estimates and actual construction mean little to a sleepy District Governing Board dominated by west county politicos. They will essentially rubber-stamp whatever the College brings forth when it asks for final approval of a project on the west side of Mingus Mountain.

In one sense, the District Governing Board’s approval process for College projects is like a train that has already left the station. Residents’ concerns are akin to a small pebble on the tracks that the train will simply pass over. The train’s destination is predetermined, and the Board’s approval is a mere formality.  Moreover, there is never any serious follow-up by the Board on such projects.

*Note:  Since 2017 the Community College has been spending millions to upgrade the existing Prescott Valley Center.  It completed a $5.8 million dollar phase one construction project at the Center in 2017.  Between then and 2023, additional hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on phase two of renovation and improvements along with land acquisition.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUYS 1.15 ACRES CLOSE TO CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER

Pays at least $200,000 in purchase believed to be from local housing developer; purpose is most likely to build a 40 apartment complex for CTEC faculty and students and construct large electronic sign directing traffic to CTEC

Highly reliable sources have informed the Blog that Yavapai Community College purchased the 1.15 acres close to the Career and Technical Education Center on 89A going to the Prescott airport for at least $200,000. The sources were not certain but thought the seller was a local developer with whom the College is doing quite a bit of business related to housing.

All indications are that the purpose of the purchase is preparation for the College constructing  a 40 apartment complex for CTEC faculty and students and place a large electronic sign directing people to CTEC located at the Prescott airport.

The Blog asked the Community College directly by email to officially confirm the sale price, seller’s name, and purpose but it refused to do so.  Instead, it replied that the Blog should review a presentation made to the September 19, 2023, Governing Board by Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services at the College.

A review of the meeting videotape revealed that Dr. Ewell had announced that the College had “closed” on the purchase of the land during his presentation but he did not disclose the price, seller’s name, or purpose of the acquisition.  However, one surmises from his presentation that the reason for the purpose was to lay the foundation for constructing a 40 bedroom apartment on the complex for CTEC faculty and students. This possibility was  highlighted during his presentation.

 

YAVAPAI COLLEGE’S CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER LOCATED AT PRESCOTT AIRPORT HONORED WITH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD AWARD

Award made by the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Yavapai County Workforce Development Board

Dean John Morgan; Dr. Kimberly Moore

In a press release dated August 24, it  was announced that Yavapai Community College’s Career and Technical Education Center, located at the Prescott airport, was awarded the “Training Provider of the Year” Award by the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Yavapai County Workforce Development Board. The award was made at the Board’s annual banquet on August 10. John Morgan, Yavapai College Associate Vice President of Career and Technical Education, accepted the award on behalf of the College.

The Center is home to programs such as 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, automotive, aviation, CNC machining, construction science, diesel technology, electronics, engineering, fire science, gunsmithing, welding, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and more.

The Center was opened in 2007 and the College has been putting millions of dollars into developing the facility since then.  It is one of the finest training facilities of its kind in Arizona, if not the nation. The Prescott based Community College executives received approval from the District Governing Board this past year to add up to  20,000 square feet and spend at least  $10 million dollars on expansion.  In June the Governing Board also approved the purchase of land either adjacent to or near the Center, apparently for expansion.

Dr. Kimberly Moore, who was hired in June as the College’s new  Division of Workforce Innovation and Economic Development Officer, said the new Division “is overjoyed with the award and recognition provided by NACOG highlighting our Career and Technical Education Center programming that’s in-demand and meets industry needs, under the leadership of John Morgan. This recognition showcases the strong partnership that’s been formed with NACOG.”

In its press report the College described the facility as “the premier learning center for career and technical education (CTE) in Yavapai County.” 

To read the full press release from the College, please click here

 

MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES PARTNER WITH SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY AS IT STRUGGLES TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT WORKFORCE IN ARIZONA

Maricopa Community College set to train 4,000 to 6,000 semiconductor technicians from the local workforce over the next few years as demand escalates

According to a July 14 article in the Capitol Times by  Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District, two of the three largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world  have announced a combined total of nearly $50 billion in new investments in Arizona, enabling the construction of multiple new, expansive manufacturing hubs. (To read the Capital Times article please click here.) He writes that “these companies have turned to the Maricopa County Community College District” for training assistance.

Gonzales says that “the college is currently working to train 4,000 to 6,000 semiconductor technicians from the local workforce over the next few years. We also have plans to offer more advanced training programs that will allow local technicians to further develop their skills and advance in their careers. In 2022-23, 53% of our semiconductor training program students were first-generation college students, and a majority identified as students of color.”

It is noted that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced July 21, 2023, that it will delay production at the huge factory it is building in North Phoenix at least in part because of  a shortage of skilled workers. The company now plans to start producing 5-nanometer chips at the Phoenix plant in 2025, a year later than previously anticipated.

“We are encountering certain challenges, as there is an insufficient amount of skilled workers with those specialized expertise required for equipment installation in a semiconductor-grade facility,” the Chairman of the Company said.

RESIDENTS LEFT “PRETTY MUCH” IN THE DARK AS $10 MILLION EXPANSION DECISION FOR CTEC EMERGES ABRUPTLY; LACK OF INFORMATION SURROUNDING UP TO 20,000 SQUARE FEET EXPANSION AND LAND ACQUISITION RAISES CONCERNS

College shrouds “Sensory Integration Accelerator” project mostly in secrecy;  PR Department ignores request for more information; Community caught  off guard because of Board’s November 2022 approval in concept of most important capital projects with no mention of expanding CTEC; Moreover, there was minimal disclosure to taxpayers prior to and at the May 2023 budget approval meeting

During the May 2023 Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming 2023-24 year was approved, one of the most unexpected developments was the decision to allocate $10 million over three years for the expansion of the existing 108,000 square foot, eight-acre Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). This expansion aims to increase CTEC’s size by an additional 20,000 square feet. The suddenness of this decision caught many attendees by surprise, leaving them with limited information about the specific details and rationale behind the expansion.

No explanations were provided prior to the May 2023 budget meeting supporting the sudden decision to increase the size of CTEC, especially considering that the College already possesses 108,000 square feet at that facility. Similarly, no clarifications were given regarding why the specific amount of $10 million was chosen, nor was there any disclosure regarding the portion of funding that might come from state grants. Furthermore, it remained unclear whether the $10 million would be spent regardless of the availability of state funding.

Another surprising revelation emerged from a confidential executive meeting of the Community College District Governing Board on June 8. During this meeting, a decision was made to acquire a property in Prescott, located west of the airport. The exact purchase price of the property remains undisclosed. The purpose of this acquisition is currently unknown, but there are speculations that it might be intended to expand the footprint of CTEC. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has left the community uncertain about the college’s intentions with the newly acquired property. (For more information about the purchase, please click here.)

Adding to the residents’ surprise was the fact that the expansion of CTEC was never discussed during the important District Governing Board meeting held November 2022. At this meeting the Board considered all priority projects submitted to them by the College administration and experts hired by the College.  The Board then went ahead and approved all of the priority capital projects in concept. Despite the presentation of a detailed chart allegedly prepared by the College experts for that meeting, which outlined the various priority projects and their estimated cost, the CTEC expansion was conspicuously absent from the chart or any discussion.

This is what information the Blog has been able to gather so far:

        1. At the May 2023  budget approval meeting, page 74 of the budget book states: “Yavapai College will expand the Career and Technical Cetner (sic) (CTEC) by up to 20,000 square feet.  Within the expanded space, the college will construct new programs and move a few existing programs to meet Freeport’s current and future workforce needs.  Specifically, the space will be used to train technicians with the newest automation and Al technologies.”
        2. At the May 2023 budget hearing, Dr. Clint Ewell provided the following short explanation for the sudden addition: “Last, but not least, we’ve been working on some leads with the State regarding workforce accelerators, which is some state funded money to help local businesses advance their workforce training skills. So we’re partnering with free Port Mac Moran and putting our name in the hat. We’re hopeful, perhaps even optimistic, that we will get money to help them train their next generation of automation technicians and using artificial intelligence to help diagnose what’s going on with their processes.”
        3. Finally, Chair Deb McCasland made a vague comment at the end of the budget approval process regarding potential state funds. She said: “And just another point on the capital projects. We are estimating that we will receive 16.4 million dollars  to support the capital improvements from outside sources non taxpayer dollars. So we are being very frugal. . . .”

The Community College’s persistent adherence to secrecy raises numerous concerns. Such opacity undermines the trust that residents have placed in the institution. By choosing to  withhold  information or failing to meaningfully provide it, such as detailed reasons it suddenly decided to allocate $10 million in taxpayer dollars to a particular project, the Community College not only fails to foster an environment of openness and accountability but also exacerbates the skepticism and unease felt by community members. Transparent and inclusive decision-making processes are essential for building trust and ensuring the collective well-being of all stakeholders.