One little bit of encouragement can have a lasting impact on a child for the rest of their lives...



At Pendergast Elementary School District’s recent kickoff event, Stephanie Norman from ASU spoke to the staff about the power of paying attention to the people right in front of us. She shared a story from her own work as a Women`s Basketball Coach, when she noticed a player’s younger sister off to the side, just playing basketball by herself. She could have easily kept going, but instead, she walked over to share some encouragement...



She told her that if she kept working hard, she could play in high school someday, and maybe even in college.



It was a small and simple thing to say. Just a few words. But years later, that girl reached back out to Stephanie and let her know that those words of encouragement changed how she saw herself.



So much of what shapes a student’s future happens in moments just like that. Not in some big, dramatic way, but in a simple conversation, a word of encouragement, or somebody taking the time to pause and notice a kid, reminding them that they have something in them worth developing.

When industry leaders offer unique opportunities for students to see what they`re capable of and give them real opportunities to lead, solve problems, speak up, and take responsibility, students start to understand that they are not just preparing for the future... They are already practicing it now.

The heart of the Classroom to Career Workshop is not just about future jobs. It’s about helping students connect learning to life and build the confidence and relationships they’ll need along the way.

Whether you`re a superintendent, educator, local industry leader, faith leader, or parent, we all have a role to play in building the future. Will you join us at Grand Canyon University on September 9th?

Learn more, get tickets, and explore sponsorship opportunities here: https://schoolconnectaz.org/classroom-to-career/

When we, as adults, only tell kids what to do, their energy is often drained.

But when we give them a role to own and a purpose to aim for, they come alive.

Of course, there will always be parts of learning that feel like brushing teeth and cleaning up the mess — slow, not glamorous.

But when we create safe environments for students to own their learning, to get curious, and to connect what they’re learning to something that matters to them, we don`t just help them pass a test — we help them see themselves as future colleagues, creators, and community leaders.

That’s the heart behind our upcoming Classroom to Career Workshop on September 9th at Grand Canyon University.

In partnership with Grand Canyon University, CHASSE Building Team, and Advanced Technologies Consultants, we`re bringing educators and industry leaders together to connect, listen, and build relationships that make a difference for kids.

This workshop is designed for:

👉 Teachers and instructional coaches who want practical ways to build student agency into daily lessons while meeting standards.

👉 Principals and district leaders who are exploring how classroom practices can align with broader workforce and career‑readiness goals.

👉 Community and business leaders who want to better understand how to support schools in creating meaningful classroom‑to‑career pathways.

Will you join us?

When: September 9th - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Grand Canyon University
Who: Educators & Industry Leaders
RSVP: Reserve your spot at
schoolconnectaz.org/classroom-to-career/