Pima Community College Selected as One of Eight Colleges Nationwide for “Back on Track” initiative
The 25,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for students pursuing careers in high-demand skilled trades.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima Community College (PCC) has been selected as one of just eight community colleges across the nation to participate in Back on Track, a transformative initiative aimed at creating pathways from low-wage jobs to family-sustaining careers. The College is honored to be chosen for this selective opportunity, which recognizes PCC’s commitment to workforce development and student success.
PCC is partnering with the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, and a national cohort of peer institutions to launch three new career pathways. These pathways are designed to meet regional labor market needs while helping young adults advance from unstable, low-wage employment into meaningful, living-wage careers.
“This partnership with a select group of community colleges nationwide is a critical opportunity to better serve students who are working but often stuck in low-wage jobs,” said Dr. Ian Roark, PCC Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Workforce Development. “By creating stronger pathways forward, we can transform lives and strengthen the greater Tucson community.”
By 2029, PCC will graduate two cohorts of students from the new pathways while building institutional capacity to expand the model across additional programs. The initiative is expected to serve between 600 and 800 students annually.
The Back on Track initiative addresses a critical workforce challenge by supporting working young adults in gaining the skills and credentials needed for long-term career stability. Expected outcomes include improved employment outcomes for graduates and the development of scalable models that can be replicated nationally.
For more information about Back on Track at PCC contact:
Dr. Jeff Thies, Vice Provost for Academic Operations Pima Community College
jthies@pima.edu
CONTACT:
Justin Kree
Director of Media Relations
Pima Community College
Cell: 520.710.7170
jkree@pima.edu