MPS CTE

Innovative Partnerships Newsletter

Partnering for Student Success

Career-Connected Learning in Mesa Public Schools

You're Invited!

Business and Education Summit

Mesa Public Schools invites you to take part in shaping YOUR future workforce through meaningful work-based learning (WBL) partnerships. Join us for our Business and Education Summit on June 11th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MPS Student Services Center, 1025 N. Country Club Drive.

The Summit will include:

Overview of College & Career Academies
Student & employer perspectives on career-connected learning
Breakout sessions on job shadows, mentorships, internships, externships and more!
A networking lunch to connect with educators and employers

RSVP here – We look forward to seeing you and building a strong future together!

Chasse Building Team collaborates with Mesa High Construction program

So you want to hire an intern....

CTE students are ready to get to work!

CTE Career Coaches are busy connecting seniors to internship opportunities for the 25-26 school year. An internship is a paid or volunteer work experience for qualified high school seniors that gives them an opportunity to gain real-world exposure to industries relevant to their educational program. Students can earn high school credit by working a minimum of 10 hours a week. Learn more about our program here and send us a job description when you are ready to start receiving resumes and we will have qualified candidates apply.

If you hosted an intern for the 24-25 School Year, please complete this online evaluation. Thank you for providing a life-changing opportunity for our students!

Opportunity Outfitters Ribbon Cutting

Opportunity Outfitters No-Cost Professional Clothing

Opportunity Outfitters is free resource center for students needing professional clothing and shoes for their internships and work based learning experiences. A special thank you to our incredible partners for helping us transform an old portable into a welcoming, boutique-style space for our students:

Chasse Building Team
Mesa Public Schools Foundation
A Pro Plumbing
EF Charles
Pete King Construction
Diversified Flooring

We're open for business and welcome donations of new or gently used men's and women's professional clothing and shoes, as well as work boots, long-sleeved t-shirts, work pants and beauty and hygiene products. Drop off donations at 546 N. Stapley.

Annual Hiring Fair

Our annual Hiring and Networking Fair for graduating seniors and incoming interns was a tremendous success! Thank you to all the businesses and organizations who partnered with us to welcome hundreds of students eager to find jobs and internships. Your support helps connect students with real-world opportunities and inspires their future paths.

Save the date – we’ll be back next April with another exciting fair. We hope to see you there!

We've had an impactful Spring!

Engineering Day at ASU Poly

Our engineering students recently spent the day at ASU Polytechnic, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insight into the industry. From touring cutting-edge labs to engaging with faculty and students, they left inspired and more focused on their future career goals.

A.T. Still University Hosts Future Healthcare Professionals

Bio Med and Sports Med students recently visited A.T. Still University for an immersive experience in medical, dental, and physical therapy education. Students learned what it takes to pursue advanced healthcare degrees and were able to envision their future in the medical field.

Celebrating Student Success

Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis and the MPS Governing Board honored our high school interns and CTE program completers during a special recognition event at the Mesa Arts Center.

Business Partners Bring Classroom Learning to Life

Solid Cabinetry

When students see how classroom lessons are applied in real-world settings, school becomes more exciting and meaningful. Job shadow opportunities allow students to observe professionals in action, ask questions, and connect their education to future careers.

NTT Global Data Center

Even a few hours in your workplace can spark a student's passion and open their eyes to new possibilities. Join us in shaping tomorrow's workforce!

Mock Interviews

Thank you to all our partners who volunteered for mock interviews. These real-world practice sessions help students sharpen their communication skills, build confidence, and better understand what employers are looking for.

Career Coaches Make the Difference!

Mesa's Innovative Partnership Team

Every high school in Mesa is supported by a dedicated Career Coach who connects students with meaningful work-based learning opportunities and collaborates with local businesses to meet their workforce needs. This unique model makes it easy to engage with Mesa Public Schools and create impactful experiences for students and employers alike. Have questions or ideas? Reach out to any member of our team—we’re here to help and eager to partner with you!

CTE & Innovative Partnerships Director - Marlo Loria, mloria@mpsaz.org
Workforce Development Specialist - Dawn Giles, degiles@mpsaz.org
Dobson Career Coach - Emily Adams, erhendle@mpsaz.org
Mesa High Career Coach - Chantelle Frazee-Jacobs, cjfrazeejacobs@mpsaz.org
Mt. View Career Coach - Dena Baldwin, dmbaldwin@mpsaz.org
Red Mountain Career Coach - Susan Manning, slmanning@mpsaz.org
Skyline Career Coach - Khamilia Harris, kaharris2@mpsaz.org
Westwood Career Coach - Madeline Winship, mrwinship@mpsaz.org
Sucess Schools Career Coach - Helen Kitchen, hmkitchen@mpsaz.org

Partner with Mesa Public Schools

If you would like to know more about partnering with Mesa Public Schools, please complete our Business Engagement Form . Thank you for making a difference by helping our students get real-world experiences that make learning more relevant!