ADAPT AND THRIVE

Our mission is to empower a learner-centered workforce that drives U.S. economic opportunity and growth.

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Empowering learners for the future of work

TechSmart Learning Fund was founded in response to the booming U.S. growth in highly technical roles that represent economically mobile pathways for many under-engaged and under-employed Americans. These roles, driven by rising demand for artificial intelligence and secure global supply chains, encompass semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, energy infrastructure, and biotech. The U.S. government has prioritized historic investments in workforce development through programs such as CHIPS and Science Act, the American AI Leadership Plan, and Apprenticeship Building America. By leveraging these public investments with private sector partnership, TechSmart endeavors to lift Americans, starting in Arizona, to access the education and training needed to meet the moment.

We serve as an intermediary that can incentivize and coordinate stronger collaboration between government, education, and industry to rally around a shared regional talent strategy, cohesive education and training pathways, and actionable data.

TechSmart seeks to partner with investors to innovate and build an ecosystem that is accessible by all learners, including

  • K-12 student awareness and CTE participation

  • STEM/CTE educator professional development

  • Workforce development initiatives leading to high-value credentials and degrees such as apprenticeships and work-based learning in emerging high-tech industries

  • Upskilling and reskilling of underemployed Americans, veterans, and those impacted by automation.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

  • Leverage the moment

    To establish a workforce development coalition and a statewide communications initiative by leveraging the CHIPS and Science Act, growth in artificial intelligence, and bipartisan political will.

  • Establish and scale STEM pathways

    To increase credential and degree attainment in high-tech industries, including semiconductors, biotech, aerospace, and clean energy, including CTE, apprenticeships, and stackable credentials, as well as reskilling and upskilling for lifelong learning.

  • Create data infrastructure

    To identify existing points of success, gaps, and needs by connecting workforce, education, and industry data into a unified system focused on learner outcomes and economic mobility.

  • Partner with other states

    To scale best practices and evaluate outcomes of existing programs and initiatives providing pathways into high-tech careers.