Central Arizona College (CAC) is making it easier for high school students in Pinal County to transition into college and career pathways. Through a partnership with Pipeline AZ, CAC is rolling out the Bridge program, powered by My Future AZ—a tool designed to help students explore career options and connect them with real-world opportunities.

Developed by Pipeline AZ in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education, Center for the Future of Arizona, and Arizona Business and Education Coalition, My Future AZ has been a resource for K-12 students to explore potential careers. Now, it goes a step further by helping high school graduates seamlessly transition to Central Arizona College.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's Forging STEM Career Literacy and Pathways in Rural Arizona initiative, My Future AZ users can now mark CAC as their college of choice in their Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP). This allows them to select a relevant career pathway and receive guidance from CAC advisors before they even step onto campus.

This proactive approach gives students a head start in high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill careers beyond STEM fields. It also supports Arizona's goal of increasing college enrollment—currently, only 48% of high school graduates enroll in college immediately after graduation, with a state target to increase that to 70%.

"Creating a bridge to the future of work is a team effort," said Katherine Adams, Senior Vice President of Pipeline AZ. "Helping students see the connection between their interests and real career pathways is essential for long-term success."

Nicole Costales, CAC's Director of Advising, emphasized how the program benefits students early in their career journey. "By working with Pipeline AZ, we're helping students match their skills and interests to careers that align with their goals. This program ensures they have a plan from day one, ultimately leading to jobs that fit their passions."

Pipeline AZ has established similar initiatives in five community college districts across the state, tailoring resources to meet each college's specific needs. CAC Pipeline, the college's personalized version of the platform, launched in 2022 as part of these efforts.

The Forging STEM Career Literacy and Pathways in Rural Arizona program is supported by a $1,998,968 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative. The program is committed to providing equal opportunities, with auxiliary aids and services available upon request for individuals with disabilities.