Walmart announced a multi-year workforce development grant in Phoenix as part of a broader effort to help workers build skills, connect to quality jobs and advance their careers in a labor market being reshaped by artificial intelligence and other technological change.
Over the next five years, Walmart and Walmart Foundation aim to help workers across select communities move into and prepare for higher-quality career opportunities. As part of that effort in Phoenix, Walmart has provided an initial $250,000 grant to The Center for the Future of Arizona to expand workforce opportunities across the Greater Phoenix area. The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Maricopa Community College District, Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona@Work – City of Phoenix, and Arizona@Work – Maricopa County will also be key partners in this work.
“We know Arizonans want a future where every person reaches their full potential, and employers find the talent they need to grow,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona. “The regional workforce development grant from Walmart builds on the collaboration already underway across Greater Phoenix and creates an important opportunity for employers, educators, workforce organizations, philanthropy, and public partners to deepen collaboration around a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we can strengthen pathways for more Arizonans, support thriving communities, and position Arizona to remain competitive for generations to come.”
“We are grateful to Walmart and the Walmart Foundation for supporting the future of Arizona’s workforce,” said Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation. “The Greater Phoenix region is uniquely positioned for this opportunity, with a strong economy, collaborative business community, and dedicated workforce and education partners working to expand pathways to high-quality careers. The Center for the Future of Arizona has been an outstanding partner in advancing workforce development efforts across our state, and this investment will strengthen the collaboration already underway among employers, educators, and community organizations. Together, we can help more Arizonans gain the skills, connections, and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving economy.”
Phoenix was selected because of the strong workforce leadership and cross-sector collaboration already underway across the region. This grant will build on that foundation by strengthening a workforce system that is more connected across employers, educators and workforce organizations, informed by forward-looking labor market data, and enhanced by technology—while remaining centered on the people and partnerships that drive lasting economic opportunity.
The grant also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Walmart Academy, As one of the largest private training programs in the world, Walmart Academy has supported over four million training completions since 2016 in upskilling essential skills and leadership capabilities—all at no cost to the associate. While Walmart Academy supports associate development, this regional grant is designed to strengthen workforce opportunities across the broader Phoenix region through partnerships with local employers, educators and workforce organizations.
“Workers and employers alike are navigating a period of rapid change, and we believe this moment calls for action,” said Julie Gehrki, SVP Philanthropy, Walmart and President, Walmart Foundation. “We want to help create clearer pathways to opportunity workers across our communities can build stronger futures and employers can find and develop the talent they need. That’s why we’re proud to support local efforts in Phoenix that can help connect people to better jobs and long-term advancement.”
Through this grant, Walmart will support community-based efforts that bring together employers, workforce organizations, educators, and technology to address hiring and training needs for high-demand roles. Grant funding may also support innovation in areas where important gaps remain, including validating an individual’s skills, improving career navigation, redesigning jobs, and using AI to better connect workers with opportunity
By strengthening local workforce systems, Walmart and Walmart Foundation aim to help workers access quality jobs and career advancement while helping employers hire faster, retain talent and better meet evolving workforce needs.
Since 2021, Walmart and Walmart Foundation have provided more than $180 million in workforce development grants and initiatives that help people build skills and access opportunity. This new grant in Phoenix is part of that continued commitment to translating big ideas into local impact at a time when the future of work is changing quickly.
