HVAC instructor Michael Pyer works with students at the West-MEC Career Academy @ Agua Fria in Avondale, AZ.
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Dual enrollment students taking classes through Rio Salado College’s partnership with West-MEC will soon have new scholarship opportunities thanks to a grant from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation.
West-MEC is a career and technical education district in Western Maricopa County that prepares high school students and young adults for the workforce.
In September, Rio Salado College and West-MEC launched a partnership program offering electrical and HVAC classes to dual enrollment students.
“This collaboration was inspired by my previous experience as a West-MEC instructor,” said Kenneth Wilk, Faculty Chair for Applied Technology and Engineering at Rio Salado College. “Over time, it became clear that there was a strong regional demand for construction-related certifications, particularly in skilled trades. This need, combined with our shared commitment to workforce development, laid the foundation for the current partnership.”
In October, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation awarded a $3 million grant—through a partnership with Arizona State University, the Maricopa Community Colleges, and local nonprofits—to launch Blackstone Skilled Futures.
The program aims to expand access to training and workforce development in the construction and advanced manufacturing trades across the Phoenix area through student engagement and career-connected learning. The Maricopa Community Colleges were selected to lead local engagement efforts, which include expanding scholarships for low-income students and securing industry partners to provide apprenticeship training.
“The Blackstone grant funding is being allocated primarily to support dual enrollment scholarships for students participating in the West-MEC partnership,” Wilk said. “Additionally, a portion of the funding is being used for course development to ensure that the curriculum aligns with industry standards.”
Rio Salado College is currently planning the scholarship rollout, with a targeted launch in fall 2026. Eligibility requirements and the application process will be announced once details are finalized.
“We will provide guidance and outreach to eligible students and their families as soon as the process is ready,” Wilk said. “The goal is to reduce financial barriers and encourage students to pursue college credit while completing their high school career and technical education.”
When the scholarships launch, they will provide more students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn college credit in high-demand fields—helping to strengthen Arizona’s skilled trades workforce and support the region’s growing economy.