Photo Courtesy NAU: Northern Arizona University announced the launch of the Arizona Institute of Education Economics.

New Institute Fosters Solutions That Promote Educational and Economic Equity Across State

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FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University announced the launch of the Arizona Institute for Educational Economics and Economics (AIEE). AIEE He will begin operations on July 1st. Under the leadership of the Founding Executive Director, Chad GuestsonAIEE brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Arizona’s K-12 public education, convening partners at all levels to develop actionable resources to improve K-12 outcomes and build Arizona’s prosperity. Nurture solutions and policies.

The Institute’s activities are supported by funds established by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). Initial multi-year investments have been made by funders, including the Pharos Foundation, to power this important work.

Anna Maria Chavez, President and CEO of ACF, said: “The Foundation is proud to support the launch of the Arizona Education Economics Institute at NAU under the leadership of Founder Dr. Chad Gestson. , we must continue to look for ways to find and nurture solutions that advance outcomes for children, families and communities.”

AIEE is uniquely positioned as an institution of NAU’s renowned educational colleges. As NAU pursues bold actions to expand access to higher education and foster graduate success so that students can fully realize the promise of Arizona’s booming economy, AIEE will It plays a key role in connecting the pipeline to the impact of NAU as a driver of opportunity in education. The number of her K-12 schools statewide, both public and private. AIEE supports better outcomes for all students in the state by systematically researching and enhancing opportunities for educational attainment and economic equity.

“We are excited to launch the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy of Arizona,” said NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera. We have a strong vision to foster mobility: “Education is essential in Arizona, and it is only with the support of partners at all levels across the state that we are able to meet this challenge head-on. Under Dr. Gestson’s leadership, AIEE will bring a solution-oriented approach based on collaboration and partnership to improve the lives of countless students across the state.”

AIEE convenes a range of partners from the grassroots to the grasstop: K-12 educators, business and industry leaders, philanthropic organizations, community-based groups, government agencies, state colleges and universities to help students Focus on understanding the gaps you face. We seek shared and viable solutions that deliver educational experiences and foster excellence, economic mobility and equitable prosperity.

Gestson has served for the past eight years as Superintendent of Phoenix Union High School District (PXU), Arizona’s largest public high school. Under his leadership, PXU has transformed into a nationally recognized district focused on serving all students and developing college and career-ready graduates.

“Through my work in Arizona’s public K-12 system, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of a strong educational pipeline in promoting economic equity,” said Gestson. “AIEE represents a transformative opportunity to deliver policy and partnership-driven solutions on a truly statewide and even national scale. I couldn’t be more proud to lead this important initiative that will go a long way to shaping the future.”

Uniquely positioned to foster economic mobility and social impact for the betterment of the state’s diverse communities, AIEE is closely tied to NAU’s statewide higher education ecosystem. Develop and launch policies, practices, and strategic initiatives and investments in to inspire action and evolve in Arizona.