Partner with a Principal 2024 Celebrates Business Partners Success

One of the City of Phoenix's most successful programs connecting classrooms with business community resources was celebrated on November 8th at the Partner With a Principal recognition lunch at Grand Canyon University with appearances by Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira and local principals and educational leaders. The event was hosted by AZ Family's popular on-air personality Ian Schwartz.

Mayor Gallego kicked off the event by talking about her passion for education and Partner with a Principal's benefits. "Educational access is a top priority. [PWAP] will have a lasting impact on students, giving them hands-on, project-based STEM opportunities through these collaborations with partners."

Councilman Galindo-Elvira commended principals for the demanding, complex job they have and for the many hats they often wear, including "commander and leader, parent whisperer, PTA whisperer, construction manager," and more.

Earlier this year from September through October, local business executives and community leaders were paired with Phoenix public, charter and private school principals to actively participate in the school's administration for one day. After shadowing principals for the day, the schools and business leaders met on how to create and nurture partnerships to improve the quality of education citywide. There were 65 school-partner matches this year including organizations across the city such as Amazon Inc, Valley of the Sun United Way and Southwest Behavioral & Health Services as part of this innovative program. In the program's 26-year history there have been a total of 413 such partnerships created.

Recognized at the event was first-year participant GateWay Early College High School Principal Bruce Kelly and Partner of the Year Alex Reader with Stiix, a local company offering STEM experiences for educators.

Partner with a Principal is organized and managed by the City's Youth and Education Office​, which connects City services, community resources and Phoenix schools to ensure K-12 students receive the support they need to succeed. A key Youth and Education Office responsibility is staffing the Youth and Education Commission, which includes community members who offer policy guidance, develop educational initiatives and facilitate school-to-career transitions.