Maricopa wants to partner with UA for engineering program

The University of Arizona, City of Maricopa and Maricopa Unified School District have begun discussions about a special pipeline to degree programs for Maricopa engineering students.

The possibilities would include a four-year degree in engineering from UA in Tucson, a four-year engineering technology degree from UA South in Sierra Vista or a two-year associate’s degree from Central Arizona College in Maricopa, UA College of Engineering Associate Dean James Baygents said.

“This is a real initiative with the City of Maricopa as the city thinks about its needs now and in the future,” Baygents said. “We have not signed a contract for a formal partnership; our plans are being formulated.

“On the other hand, this is not just recruiting high school students to attend UA. The city is distinguishing itself in taking initiative in working on pathways to engineering, making steps available to students so they will not have to leave their home to study.”

The city and school district had a conference call in September with UA representatives about assisting Maricopa. Discussions included taking classes at CAC to transfer to engineering degree programs at UA.

“Each of the parties has viable ideas on how to make this happen,” Baygents said. “Maricopa is going to grow. Initially, we will start with a few programs and expand as the city grows and the number of students increases.”

During his State of the City speech Oct. 16, Mayor Christian Price said the UA has agreed to work on an initiative. The city estimates its population will triple to more than 144,000 in 25 years.

"There is a projected future shortage of scientists and engineers throughout the Greater Phoenix region and United States," Price said. "We believe Maricopa has the potential to fill a critical niche by developing talent locally. Through this partnership, we hope to generate excitement among Maricopa students and provide them with an academic track to pursue careers in high demand, technology-driven fields.”

UA staff will be at Maricopa High School on Nov. 4, the city said, but Baygents said it’s only an admissions visit, not to introduce the engineering program to students and faculty. Fifty MHS students will tour the UA College of Engineering in Tucson on Nov. 10.

"This partnership is a great example of the new academic focus at MHS," MUSD Superintendent Steve Chestnut said. "This is the latest example of how the high school is becoming a college and career preparatory academy. I believe this partnership will provide some wonderful opportunities for our students."

Baygents said UA would like to offer introduction to engineering to Maricopa students for college credit, if approved by the school district.***ADVERTISEMENT***

“At this time, there are many possibilities,” Baygents said. “As I said, we’re at the idea stage. We have to decide what kind of engineering degrees to emphasize. We have 13 different bachelor’s degrees in engineering at UA.”