Center for the Future of Arizona

Together with the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy, we developed Permission Granted to help educators make the most of existing policy flexibilities and create stronger, more meaningful learning experiences for students.

Take a look at KnowledgeWorks Foundation's article to learn more: bit.ly/4uSaXpy

Arizona is moving from pockets of innovation to system-wide change, using practical tools that connect policy, practice and student success. https://knowledgeworks.org/resources/permission-granted-arizona-leading-future-learning/ Center for the Future of Arizona Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy

Real impact & fresh insights. Our latest newsletter is here, featuring the latest updates and stories shaping what's ahead for Arizonans, including:
• Spring civic health convenings
• Education Progress Meter update with Education Forward Arizona
• Students learning democracy by doing & more

Never miss an issue & sign up today: bit.ly/3tqViTd

With the right tools, educators across the state can prepare students for what comes next — college, career, and lifelong learning — without waiting for policy change.

The Permission Granted Arizona Policy Primer outlines existing state policy flexibility in plain language to support innovative models and design learning experiences to increase student success. Explore the Policy Primer 🔗 bit.ly/4cjMjb5

Over the past few months, the Arizona Civic Life Partnership, co-led by CFA and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, convened leaders from across the state to explore key indicators of civic health and how we can turn data into shared progress. Across three spring convenings, attendees shared tools and data for measuring civic health, identified key indicators with the greatest potential to drive dialogue and decision-making, and highlighted stories of impact where progress is already strengthening civic life across the state.

Together, we are refining the Civic Health Progress Meters and using data to set goals and drive action statewide, with more convenings and opportunities for engagement ahead.

What if students could start college in high school? Dual enrollment courses open doors — lowering the cost of college credits and connecting students to high-demand, high-wage careers.

Students at Apache Junction High School are leading their own career planning with a fresh take on dual enrollment. By taking Central Arizona College credit courses online during the school day, one small change is creating big impacts. Learn more about this approach and discover their story: bit.ly/3RIxQgC

Arizona Horizon | Election Integrity, Arizona Trail and Border Wall, America 250 Founding Fathers | Season 2026 | Episode 97 Leaders discuss election process, AZ trail closes for border wall, Discussion on founding fathers

Excited to be featured in this new KnowledgeWorks Foundation story highlighting the work happening across Arizona to support educator growth, help shift learning from traditional to personalized learning, and uplift the positive outlook educators experienced through the Personalized Learning Network!

Mesa Public Schools
Amphitheater Public Schools
Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35
YUHSD

Arizona’s experience shows how long‑term support for educators can lead to classrooms where students have more voice, choice and ownership of their learning. https://bit.ly/42TxmGO

Proud to celebrate another school year of empowering future generations of Arizonans through School Participatory Budgeting.

From elementary to high school, students across the state participated in Vote Days – sharing ideas, planning, and casting votes! Winning projects ranged from cafeteria window wraps to gym and recess equipment, to 3D printers, and outdoor shade at a high school .

Plus, since 2016: 9,000+ students have registered to vote in Arizona elections on their schools’ Vote Day. Here's to elevating students' voices across Arizona and equipping the next generation to be active participants in civic life. 🗳

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the Arizonans who gave their lives for our country. Their service is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we share to strengthen our communities, uphold democratic values, and build a future worthy of their sacrifice.