ASPIRE Workforce Development Initiative
The ASPIRE Workforce Development Initiative targets extremely low-income youth ages 14 to 21, who have dropped out, are at risk of dropping out of school, or those that have other barriers preventing them from getting the necessary education and training to transition into the workforce. Through one-on-one case management, tutoring and academic support, job training and career exploration, youth are encouraged to plan for their future and work hard to succeed. Valley of the Sun United Way is partnering with five organizations to meet the diverse needs of Valley youth who participate in the ASPIRE program.
If you or someone you know could benefit by enrolling in the ASPIRE Workforce Development Initiative, please contact any one of our partner agencies listed below to find out if you qualify. Click here for a printable flyer.
ASPIRE Partner Agencies
Arizona Women’s Education & Employment
Arizona Women’s Education and Employment (AWEE) provides education and training services to young men and women in Phoenix and the East Valley. Specifically, available services include: life skills workshops, decision making, stress management, building self-esteem; Job readiness workshops, career guidance, vocational training, job search and placement assistance; follow-up and supportive services.
914 W. Hatcher (Sunnyslope Family Services Center)
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Contact: 602.371.1216
735 N. Gilbert Road (inside MWC offices)
Gilbert, AZ 85203
Contact: 602.372.9718
Chicanos Por Las Causa Workforce Development Center
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) provides comprehensive services to Maricopa County residents. On-site services include GED’s, basic computer training, work readiness preparation classes, case management, job search and placement assistance and other supportive services. Through other CPLC locations, other services including Child-care, family counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, daily living and survival skills are also available.
1555 N. Bridalwreath Street (North Tempe Multigenerational Center)
Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: 480.858.6543
Friendly House
Friendly House assists the youth in our community with services designed to support them through their high school years and into our labor force. Included in these services are on-site GED classes and tutoring as well as occupational training programs, post high school educational opportunities, job readiness workshops, career guidance and job search and placement.
802 South First Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85030
Contact: 602.416.7251
9233 S. Avenida del Yaqui (Priest Drive Inside SMCC-Guadalupe)
Guadalupe, AZ 85283
Contact: 602.305.5693
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) assists youth with academic remediation and job preparation services to young people in and out of school. On-site services include work readiness and survival skills, career counseling and other supportive services that may be necessary. The JAG program offers membership to a national student led organization with a local chapter focused on: leadership, career, social skills development and community service. JAG is currently offering Aspire services onsite to youth at Summit Charter School in Phoenix and Compadre High School in Tempe.
2501 W. Dunlap, Ste 200
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Contact: 602.216.9506
500 West Guadalupe Road
Tempe, Arizona 85283
Contact: bridget.johnson@jagaz.org
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
Tumbleweed provides a continuum of care for homeless and at risk youth in Maricopa County, including job and educational services for individuals ages 14-21. Career and basic skills (TABE) assessments are used in helping youth identify strengths. Career Specialists encourage youth to excel in their educational and career goals by providing paid internships, job training, and financial support for these endeavors including college.
1950 W. Heatherbrae, Suite 6
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Contact: 602.264.6035
