Training The Workforce For Local Career Opportunities.
At the Santa Cruz Center, we recognize the importance of cultivating a competitive workforce and connecting students with local employers. It is our aim to strengthen our workforce by offering relevant higher education programs and connecting talent with our region’s local employment opportunities.
The Center For Talent To Flourish.
Throughout the nation, business communities are searching for workforce talent with adequate training in healthcare, produce, mining, manufacturing, environmental studies, and other thriving industries. That’s why we are working with businesses to align our programs with current and future local industry trends and needs. This translates to equipping students with the most relevant skills for today’s employers and job market.
From cybersecurity coursework to digital marketing curricula, the Santa Cruz Center is meeting new industry demands by further modernizing our educational options. Among other plans, the center is exploring coursework that specializes in automated optical inspection equipment, heavy equipment operation and large-scale commercial HVAC system operations for local industry — all giving students a competitive edge.
Programs That Lead to Meaningful Careers.
We at the Santa Cruz Center recognize a local demand for more learning options and flexible avenues to achieving career goals. Therefore, we work with key educational partners, including Pima Community College and University of Arizona Nogales, to train residents so that they can find lucrative and inspiring employment opportunities in our region.
Flexible.
At the Santa Cruz Center, our partners offer career prep, high school General Education Development (GED), certifications, 2-year degrees, and 4-year degrees. The Center offers in-person, online and hybrid learning options, along with daytime, nighttime and weekend classes. Our priority is to offer flexible options to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
Affordable
The Santa Cruz Center is the higher education solution that’s close to home. By pursuing a local education, students enjoy a more reasonable schedule while spending less money on food, fuel and housing. For example, Pima’s tuition is $18,000 less than two years at ASU, NAU, or UA. Pima’s tuition is also $−5,976 less than the national average for Associates Colleges ($8,112).
Transferable
Santa Cruz Center’s partnership with Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona helps students start their higher education journey with a 2-year degree or certificate. Pima Community College’s partnerships with colleges and universities makes it easier for students to transfer to four-year institutions.
Personalized
Community colleges often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. Smaller class size at the Santa Cruz Center, which averages 24 students, makes it easier to interact with and get to know professors, creating a supportive learning environment. Instructors at the Center are focused on teaching rather than research, making them more accessible and approachable for students.
Not Sure What Path To Pursue?
Many students may not know what career path they’d like to pursue. People may change careers many times during their work life. Whether seeking a degree, a certification, hands-on job training, or the pleasure of lifelong learning, it’s all available at the Santa Cruz Center. We’re here to help students find their career path.
Career Planning
Academic Advising
Empowering Graduates To Thrive.
The Santa Cruz Center continues to adapt and provide robust support systems to prepare students for diverse career landscapes. By doing so, we empower graduates to thrive in the evolving job market of the 21st century.