Pima Voices Sits Down with Kate Hoffman to Discuss Earn to Learn
Earn to Learn Discusses Transformative Partnerships on Pima Voices Podcast
As Earn to Learn continues its national expansion, it’s important to pause and appreciate the foundational partnerships that have been key to our growth. One such partnership, which has been pivotal to both our beginnings and our evolution, is our ongoing collaboration with Pima Community College.
Recently, our CEO, Kate Hoffman, had the opportunity to join Savannah Franco, the host of Pima Community College Foundation’s podcast, Pima Voices, to discuss the impactful work Earn to Learn is doing within the community and across the country. The conversation spanned the history of our partnership, the importance of innovative educational pathways, and how together we are transforming lives through education.
During the podcast, Kate and Savannah reflected on how Earn to Learn and Pima Community College have worked hand-in-hand to drive change locally. Our partnership stands out not only because of its longevity but also because of our shared vision of expanding educational access for underserved populations. This vision is rooted in addressing real-world needs, particularly in non-traditional pathways that allow students to gain valuable skills quickly.
One area where our collaboration has truly flourished is in providing short-term credential and vocational programs. These programs offer a direct route to upward mobility for students who need faster, more flexible options than traditional degree paths usually provide. This innovative approach was made possible in part by the visionary support of the Garcia Family Foundation, one of Earn to Learn’s most hands-on and forward-thinking funders.
Short-Term Credentials and Vocational Programs: The Ford Assets Example
A key focus of our partnership with Pima Community College is the development of short-term credential programs, such as the Ford Assets Program, which was highlighted in the podcast as a perfect example of our collective commitment to “thinking outside the box.” Through this program, Earn to Learn has helped students become Master Technicians, a highly specialized field that addresses critical labor shortages while providing students with the opportunity to achieve financial independence shortly after graduation.
As Savannah noted during the podcast, the Ford Assets Program is a prime example of how Earn to Learn and Pima Community College are creating educational pathways that cater to the needs of both students and employers. By equipping students with practical, in-demand skills, we’re helping them secure well-paying jobs that offer room for growth and advancement.
A National Vision with Local Roots
While our partnership with Pima Community College is deeply rooted in the local community, it also serves as a model for our national expansion. As Kate mentioned during her conversation with Savannah, the lessons we’ve learned and the success we’ve achieved in Southern Arizona continue to inform our work as we expand into new states and regions. We remain committed to creating opportunities for students from all walks of life, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed not only in higher education but also in their chosen careers.
Our collaboration with Pima Community College is a shining example of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared mission. We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and continue to do with Pima to support students on their educational journeys.
To learn more about how Earn to Learn and Pima Community College are working together to support students, please visit our Pima Community College partnership page: