Gateway Community College

Phoenix,  AZ 
United States
https://www.gatewaycc.edu/

• Booth: W4

Future48 SemiCo Workforce Accelerator @ GateWay C.C.

Overview

Since 1968, GateWay Community College has been a cornerstone of Phoenix, delivering career-focused education that drives opportunity and innovation. As Arizona’s first technical college, GateWay has deep roots in the community and a proven track record of preparing students for in-demand careers. Today, we lead the way in advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades—offering cutting-edge training in semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing, welding, HVAC, automotive, and apprenticeship programs. Our state-of-the-art labs and strong industry partnerships ensure students gain real-world skills while fueling the region’s workforce needs. Through initiatives like the Future48 SemiCo Workforce Accelerator, we connect education to industry, empowering diverse learners to thrive in high-growth fields. Now, more than 55 years since its start, GateWay is still shaping futures, strengthening industries, and building the highly skilled workforce that Arizona and beyond depend on. Learn more at gatewaycc.edu.

  Press Releases

• GateWay Selected as Top Community College (Oct 06, 2025)

  Full article: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/news/2025/gateway-selected-top-community-college

  GateWay Community College is proud to announce its selection as a Top Community College for the 2025-2026 academic year by Education Insider, a magazine covering a comprehensive variety of K-12 through higher education topics for educators, parents, students, and policymakers. Each year, colleges are chosen for their career-focused and rigorous programs. “Top Community Colleges have been selected for their unwavering commitment to educational excellence, career readiness, and empowering students to drive meaningful change across industries and communities,” the magazine states. 

  Educating students in the Phoenix area is no small task, and GateWay is committed to growing with the community. GateWay awarded almost 2,400 degrees and certificates last year, supporting students with over $1.3 million in scholarships awarded. 

  The education and training GateWay provides for Maricopa County residents has a significant impact. Since the college opened its doors, the thousands of GateWay students entering the area workforce each year come equipped with greater knowledge and new, valuable skills. These former students are employed in Maricopa County, earning more and increasing the productivity of the businesses that employ them. In fact, the net impact of GateWay alumni currently employed in the county workforce amounted to $491.5 million in added income in FY 2023-24.

  “This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who make GateWay such a vital part of Maricopa County,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, GateWay Community College President. “We are proud to be a driving force in transforming lives through education, while also fueling the economic strength of our community. As we look ahead, GateWay remains committed to creating even more opportunities for students to thrive and succeed.”

  Read the full article about GateWay from Education Insider at https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/gateway-community-college. 

• National and State Leaders Visit GateWay Community College to Unveil Energy-Focused Initiatives and Tour HVAC Labs (Oct 06, 2025)

  Full Article: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/news/2024/national-and-state-leaders-visit-gateway-community-college-unveil-energy-focused-initiatives-and

  Today, GateWay Community College, one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to unveil the Arizona Home Energy Rebate Program. The visit also included a town hall with community organizations and a tour of the college’s state-of-the-art HVAC facilities.

  “Sectors like manufacturing, energy, and construction will continue to need a highly-skilled workforce in order to support the economic growth we are witnessing across the state,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “From HVAC technicians to electricians, skilled tradespeople keep our homes, businesses, and cities running. As the largest provider of workforce training in Arizona, we are developing the next generation of skilled workers—who will undoubtedly play a critical role in supporting nearly every facet of our infrastructure.”  

  A Pipeline of Skilled Workers

  Living in the Valley, with temperatures over 95 degrees 158 days a year, residents and businesses rely on dependable air conditioner systems. As the current HVAC workforce begins to retire, GWCC is training the next generation of technicians, ensuring Arizona’s HVAC employers have a steady pool of talent who can meet the maintenance and repair demands of both residential and commercial clients. GWCC offers credit and clock hour HVAC programs that equip students with the skills and training needed to quickly enter the workforce. With residential and commercial pathways available, students can hone their skills to meet their desired career goals. 

  “It was an honor to showcase our state-of-the-art HVAC facilities to Deputy Secretary David Turk,” said Bruce Martz, HVAC Program Director at GateWay Community College. “This visit highlights the importance of hands-on, industry-aligned training in preparing the next generation of skilled technicians. At GateWay, we are committed to providing our students with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in today’s workforce. As we look toward the future, integrating clean energy solutions into our curriculum is essential. I’m proud to share our dedication to excellence in education with leaders who understand the critical role of workforce development and clean energy in our community.”

  Setting Standards of Excellence 
  A leader in higher education, the system continues to garner national attention for its workforce initiatives, innovative programming, and efforts to strengthen support for underserved students. Today’s event marks the seventh visit from a national leader this year to one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges.  

  • In January, GWCC welcomed Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal, who toured the college’s healthcare facilities. 
  • During the spring, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves highlighted impactful initiatives that support underserved communities while visiting GWCC and Phoenix College. 
  • During the commencement season, U.S. Secretary of Treasury Dr. Janet Yellen visited Mesa Community College (MCC), U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona spent a day at South Mountain Community College, and First Lady of the U.S., Dr. Jill Biden, provided the keynote speech at MCC’s commencement ceremony.
  • This summer, White House National Cyber Director, Harry Coker, Jr., met with students, faculty, and staff to discuss the state’s cybersecurity ecosystem. 

  As Arizona’s largest provider of workforce development training, Maricopa Community Colleges offers over 600 certificate and degree programs, including eight bachelor’s degrees. Learn more at maricopa.edu.

• Governor Hobbs Taps GateWay and MCCCD to Lead Semiconductor-Focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator (Oct 06, 2025)

  Full article here: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/news/2024/governor-hobbs-taps-gateway-and-mcccd-lead-semiconductor-focused-future48-workforce-accelerator

  Governor and ACA commit millions to support the semiconductor workforce initiative housed at GateWay Community College.

  Tempe, Ariz., November 14, 2024 – Today, GateWay Community College (GWCC) and the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), in partnership with Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), are proud to officially launch the first-of-its-kind, semiconductor-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator—slated to welcome students and industry in 2027.

  “Today's announcement marks a pivotal moment for our system,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “The infusion of funding into this accelerator enables us to build on the success of our current semiconductor offerings. By expanding our capacity, we can strengthen the state’s growing talent pipeline while preparing our students for high-demand, high-skill jobs.”

  What’s New

  Housed at GWCC’s Central City campus, the state-of-the-art fab lab facility marks the newest Future48 Workforce Accelerator planned for the state. MCCCD will receive $5 million from the governor’s office to provide critical wraparound services for working students. The ACA will contribute an additional $15 million for infrastructure, equipment, and curriculum development. Industry leaders Intel, TSMC, and NXP partnered in the facility’s design and training focus.

  The epicenter for semiconductor training will feature a full-size mock clean room with 11 customizable modular stations, providing students with hands-on experience in semiconductor processing, including cleaning, probing, photolithography, and automated handling, as well as maintenance, programming, and integration using robotic applications and industry devices. The facility will complement the system’s Automated Industrial Technology and Manufacturing Production Technology certificate and degree programs in order to train the next generation of Fab Floor Process Technicians and Maintenance Repair Technicians, among other professions.

  “America’s manufacturing resurgence is happening right here across Arizona,” stated Governor Hobbs during the press conference announcing the Future48 Workforce Accelerator. “Synchronizing the needs of industry with our workforce development is so critical, and our education partners have also been incredibly critical in these efforts.”

  Why it Matters

  Arizona’s advanced manufacturing industry is experiencing remarkable growth. The expansion has created a need for skilled workers requiring postsecondary credentials beyond a high school diploma. Gov. Hobbs established the Future48 Workforce Accelerators to bridge the gap between education and career by collaborating with Arizona’s community colleges and industry partners to train the state’s workforce for high-wage, high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. 

  Semiconductors are Arizona’s second-ranked export at $3.5 billion, making the state the second-strongest semiconductor hub in the U.S. As a result, the state’s semiconductor industry ranks No. 1 for its innovation, workforce development, and planned investments. By 2030, the industry’s workforce is projected to increase by nearly 115,000 jobs. As the largest provider of workforce training in the state, MCCCD plays a key role in ensuring students are equipped with the skills and training needed to meet the demands of the expanding advanced manufacturing sector. 

  “The investment in this accelerator allows us to more quickly offer the latest in advanced manufacturing training, equipping students to be employable while providing necessary support services, including transportation, counseling, and tutoring to ensure success along their journey,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, GWCC President.

  About the Future48 Workforce Accelerators

  The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported by a $30 million investment from the ACA to build six new advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges.

  Learn more at maricopa.edu/industry.

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  Media Contact:

  Lindsey Wilson, [email protected], (480) 703-8378

  Mel Valenzuela, [email protected], (480) 298-5364

  About GateWay Community College
  As one of the Maricopa Community Colleges, GateWay Community College is a fully accredited public institution of higher education located in Phoenix, with five campuses and sites in Surprise. Offering more than 160 certificate and associate degree programs in the areas of Automotive, Business and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Industrial Technology, Nursing and University Transfer, GateWay has emerged as a leading institution to meet the needs of business and industry. Visit www.gatewaycc.edu or call 602-286-8000 for more information.  Locations: Central City Campus (1245 E. Buckeye Road); Deer Valley (2931 W. Bell Road); SouthWest Skill Center (3000 N. Dysart Road); Washington Campus (108 N. 40th Street) and GateWay at18th Street (555 N. 18th Street).

  About Maricopa Community Colleges

  The Maricopa County Community College District includes ten individually-accredited colleges – GateWay, Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs. Visit www.maricopa.edu to learn more.

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