Arizona State University (ASU) is a comprehensive public research university founded in 1885 with multiple campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Recently it has evolved into a "New American University" model that prioritizes broad access to quality education and meaningful societal impact, including a significant role in economic development. ASU offers over 400 undergraduate and 450 graduate programs, both on campus and online, preparing a large and diverse student body for future careers.

ASU contributes significantly to workforce initiatives through strategic partnerships and innovative programs designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry needs. Examples include:

• AZNext program
  • U.S. Department of Labor grant-funded partnership to train workers for high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and IT.
• CareerCatalyst program
  • Offers over 350 non-degree learning opportunities and customized training solutions in collaboration with industry partners like Starbucks, Mayo Clinic, and Applied Materials to upskill and reskill the existing workforce.
• Work-integrated Learning Accelerator and the Microelectronics Workforce Development Hub
  • Embed real-world projects and provide hands-on experiences, ensuring graduates have the practical skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market and supporting critical sectors like the state's booming microelectronics industry.
• ASU–State of Arizona Public Workforce Initiative
  • Launched in November 2025, a statewide partnership allowing public employees to access ASU courses and career certificates in areas like data analytics, leadership, and digital skills with the aim of helping to strengthen Arizona’s public workforce.
• Arizona Learning Mobility Collaborative
  • Statewide effort (with the Arizona Board of Regents, community colleges, AACRAO, Education Design Lab, and Strada Education Foundation) to support the learning mobility infrastructure in order to improve credit transfer, skills visibility, and seamless transitions between education and work.

Resources

Arizona State University. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.asu.edu/

Arizona State University. (n.d.). About. https://www.asu.edu/about

Crow, M. M. & Dabars, W. B. (2015). Designing the New American University. John Hopkins University Press. https://www.amazon.com/Designing-American-University-Michael-Crow/dp/1421417235/

Arizona State University. (n.d.). AZNext: Workforce Training Accelerator Partnership for Next Generation Jobs. https://wpcarey.asu.edu/aznext

Arizona State University. (n.d.). ASU CareerCatalyst. https://careercatalyst.asu.edu/

Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. (2025, May 23). Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator - Arizona State University (ASU). https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/initiatives/asu-launches-work-integrated-learning-accelerator/

Arizona State University. (n.d.). Microelectronics Workforce Development Hub. https://microelectronics.asu.edu/workforce-development/