MCCCD Applauds Gov. Ducey’s 2023 Budget Proposal, for Investing in STEM Education and Advanced Manufacturing

Friday, January 14, 2022
Image of a happy woman with her arm raised wearing a cap and gown

Governor Doug Ducey today released his budget recommendation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. He outlined his vision for Arizona, recommending ongoing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) funding, which equates to $8.6M in FY2023, and a $30M investment in manufacturing workforce development through community colleges. 

“We appreciate the Governor recognizing that investments in community colleges lead to positive outcomes for our state, further our shared workforce development goals, and strengthen our economy,” said MCCCD Interim Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “Investment in advanced manufacturing creates opportunities to better our community offerings and support programs that allow for the highest levels of academic success. We applaud Governor Ducey’s and the Legislature’s efforts in funding programs that help propel college students from classrooms into careers and for the continued support for issues important to our students, community, and Arizona’s employees.”

The STEM formula funding supports Maricopa Community Colleges in executing critical projects in the highest need areas of the workforce, including healthcare, manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, and bioscience programs. You can find the District’s detailed proposal of STEM projects here.

Gov. Ducey’s Budget recommendation also includes a plan that provides targeted investments to establish six advanced manufacturing training centers facilitated by community colleges across the state. This investment will build upon the work that MCCCD has already prioritized to support the expanding semiconductor manufacturing industry in Arizona by launching new workforce credential programs in the Spring of 2022. 

MCCCD Highlights of the Governor’s Budget include:

  • Ongoing STEM formula funding for MCCCD, which equates to $8.6M in FY23, to support the development and expansion of programs in the highest need areas of the workforce, including healthcare, manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, and bioscience. 
  • $30M for the Arizona Commerce Authority to establish six advanced manufacturing training centers located at community colleges statewide to better-meet the manufacturing workforce needs.