Flagstaff Unified School District CTE Tour



The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) is committed to preparing students for workforce success through Career & Technical Education (CTE). With 16 diverse programs, FUSD equips students with the technical skills, academic knowledge, and leadership experience needed for their future careers.

On February 24, Coconino Workforce Development Board Chair Bruce Sobczak, Vice Chair Gail Jackson, and board staff Yanzi Liu, along with local educators and employers, toured Coconino High School and Flagstaff High School to explore CTE programs. These programs provide hands-on learning in fields such as Engineering, Culinary Arts, Law & Public Safety, Software & App Design, and Welding Technologies.

With strong business and industry partnerships, FUSD’s CTE programs create real-world learning experiences and clear career pathways for students. Integrating the WIOA Youth Program could further support CTE participants, helping students transition seamlessly into the workforce and develop long-term, sustainable careers.

89Forward: Celebrating 50 Years – A Bridge Forward

On February 27, 89Forward: Celebrating 50 Years – A Bridge Forward took place in Page, Arizona, a unique and vital city in Coconino County. The conference featured inspiring speakers who shared their experiences, discussions on future planning, and insights into the local and regional business climate. Designed for business owners, managers, and employees—past, present, and future—the event also included updates from the City of Page and Coconino County.

Coconino Workforce Development Board Executive Director, Billy Francis, Secretary Armando Bernasconi and board members Kay Leum and Judy Franz, attended the event. They engaged with local employers to understand workforce challenges and explored how WIOA programs—such as Adult, In-School and Out-of-School Youth initiatives and Incumbent Worker Training—can provide support.

Rapid Response Event for Prent Corporation Employees

Unfortunately, another manufacturing company in Flagstaff/Coconino is closing — Prent Corporation, a provider of custom thermoform plastic packaging solutions.

We are quickly organizing a Rapid Response/Workforce Reduction Support event on March 5 and 6 at the plant to assist the 47 affected employees (22 full-time, 25 part-time). Services will include:

• Comprehensive Career Counseling
• Arizona Job Connection (AJC) 101 – Registration & Navigation
• Resume Writing & Job Interview Coaching
• Training & Workforce Development Resources

Our goal is to provide immediate support and guidance to help impacted workers transition successfully.

Introducing ATLAS: Coconino County’s New Referral System

Exciting changes are happening in Coconino County! We are pleased to announce the launch of ATLAS, our new referral system designed to streamline and enhance client services. With ATLAS, Core and Community Partners can now send referrals more efficiently and track client progress throughout the assistance process.

This is just the beginning! As we complete each phase of implementation, ATLAS will expand to include texting, business services, training, and case management, further improving our ability to serve the community.

Stay tuned—more updates coming in the next three months!

Empowering a Path to Employment

In the early months of Eckerd Connects presence in Coconino County, Career Coach Thomas Yellowhair witnessed the transformative power of guidance and support through a remarkable success story. An unemployed single mother came into the resource room with a belief that she was unemployable due to legal barriers in her history. She felt uncertain about her future and unsure of where to turn.

Thomas took the time to listen to her story and carefully assess her current job skills, work history, and certifications. During this conversation, it was revealed that she possessed an unused Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an asset that could change her career path if leveraged properly.

Thomas encouraged her to take a leap of faith and apply for a position at the Pepsi/Nackard warehouse, as he knew they were always searching for reliable drivers. Motivated by this encouragement, the individual took action, visiting the MVD to clear her Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Upon her return to ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County resource room, she received resume writing assistance to ensure her application stood out.

Just weeks later, she returned with a heartfelt "Thank You" card, sharing the wonderful news that she had secured a new job as a delivery truck driver.

This success story is a testament to the power of believing in someone’s potential, offering support and encouragement, and helping individuals recognize the skills they already possess. With the guidance of ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County, this mother now has a renewed sense of hope and stability as she embarks on her new career journey. Eckerd Connects looks forward to continuing to make a difference by changing lives and building a stronger community throughout Coconino County!"