The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation has launched ElevateEdAZ, a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between business leaders and students. The goal is to improve college and career readiness, said the foundation and its partner, the Phoenix Union High School District.

They say one way to do this is by better aligning curriculum being taught in Arizona schools with the state's current workforce needs. They also want to create more opportunities for industry leaders to get into the classrooms or bring students to them. 

“I think it’s going to strengthen our workforce by allowing employers the opportunity to build the workforce they need by working directly with students and teachers to develop the skills that will make students successful in college or career," Todd Sanders, the Greater Phoenix Chamber president and CEO. 

The program has been launched at two Phoenix Union High School District sites — the Academies at South Mountain and Phoenix Coding Academy.

“We want to make sure that when kids leave Phoenix Coding Academy, they are truly prepared for the future of technology, not just want it looks like today and again, we can’t do that without really strong partnerships with business and industry," said Superintendent Chad Gestson.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct the name of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation.