Investing in Students. Empowering Employers. Strengthening Our Future.

We’re thrilled to announce a powerful new initiative that will strengthen our region’s economy, support our students, and create lasting connections between education and industry.

The Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce and the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, in partnership with ElevateEdAZ and Sahuarita Unified School District, are proud to launch the first rural expansion of ElevateEdAZ’s proven career-connected learning model. This initiative has already transformed 27 schools in Maricopa County—and beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, it’s coming here to Southern Arizona.

This new workforce development program will connect local employers with Sahuarita and Walden Grove High Schools to create real-world learning opportunities for students. From job shadows and internships to career panels and site visits, this effort is about building a bridge between today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s workforce.

Our region is home to incredible talent and strong local businesses—but until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated system to align these efforts. That’s changing.

Here’s what this means for our community:

  • More than 100 students will have the opportunity to participate in career-connected learning experiences in the first year
  • Local employers will receive structured support to engage in internships, mentoring, and industry events
  • Educators and school leaders will be equipped to better align classroom learning with high-wage, high-demand career pathways
  • Our entire region will benefit from a more connected, skilled, and opportunity-ready local workforce

This is more than a program—it’s a collaborative step toward a stronger future.

We’re proud to work alongside ElevateEdAZ and SUSD to bring this vision to life—and even more proud to represent a community that believes in investing in the next generation.

Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved, upcoming events, and stories of impact as this exciting new chapter unfolds.

Together, we’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re building it.

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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