\u201cLifelong learning is so important today, and we know that best in Phoenix, as we have people who are learning new skills so that they can be prepared for the jobs that the industries like the semiconductor industry are bringing us,\u201d O\u2019Brien told KTAR News 92.3 FM.<\/p>\n
Based in San Francisco, WestEd partners with local and federal groups to research education challenges.<\/p>\n
Phoenix vice mayor advocating for school equity in Arizona and beyond<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien has been on the board of WestEd since 2018.<\/p>\n
She said it improves education by analyzing English learner programs, assessing post-secondary readiness, and studying principal retention rates.<\/p>\n
The organization connects these issues to workforce readiness, an area O\u2019Brien said has a major impact on Phoenix.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring that our young people are prepared as they step out of high school to either go into our universities or go into two-year programs or certificated programs \u2026 is so important,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n
She emphasized the importance of preparing local students for careers created by tech companies setting up shop and expanding in<\/a> in the Valley.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the next five years, if we don\u2019t have the right workforce, not just Phoenix or Arizona, but our whole country will suffer,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.<\/p>\n Follow @@shiratanzernews<\/a><\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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