Arizona’s educators play a key role in preparing students for life after graduation, yet bringing real-world career stories into the classroom can be challenging. Edge Factor, in partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), offers educators powerful resources to introduce students to diverse careers. Together, they aim to inspire curiosity and provide practical tools for career readiness.
At every stage of the journey, students benefit immensely from interactive, relatable career content that illustrates the realities of the workforce. Edge Factor’s collaboration with CFA ensures that these resources—designed for K-2 Lenses on the Future, Gr. 3-5 Lenses on the Future, and middle school and high school classrooms—provide meaningful exploration opportunities across various industries.
Educators in Arizona can use Edge Factor resources to infuse career exploration into classes and curriculums, guide students on personalized journeys, and showcase careers and skills across diverse industries.
Infuse Careers into Classes and Curriculums: Pick, play, and assign Edge Factor content directly into classes, curriculums, and events.
Guide Personalized Journeys: Students take an interest-assessment quiz and embark on a self-paced journey to explore careers, develop skills, and earn badges.
Showcase Industries: Equip students with engaging, age-appropriate resources to explore industry-specific careers and skills.
At Edge Factor, it all begins with a great story. In two episodes of the Career Profile series filmed in Arizona, we spotlight inspiring professionals whose daily work showcases the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and compassion essential to healthcare.
Alicia Johnson, a Physical Therapist at Banner University Medical Center, shares a glimpse into her role in the cardiovascular ICU, where she helps post-surgery patients regain mobility. Her journey reflects both the technical and compassionate sides of healthcare—connecting in-class learning of STEAM and Soft Skills used on the job.
“One thing I really love about my job is that I get to mix soft skills of being compassionate with someone and the struggles they’re facing in these four walls (while they are in the hospital) and helping them get one step closer to returning home and feeling more like themselves.” - Alicia Johnson
Lea Mollon, Associate Director of Pharmacy, offers another compelling story. Her management role involves coordinating patient care, ensuring medication safety, and collaborating with various hospital departments. Lea’s experience demonstrates the blend of technical skills and leadership within the field of pharmacy.
“I learn a lot from others. No matter how far you are in your career, how much education you have, you’re still going to be learning day to day and learning from others is going to be part of that.” - Lea Mollon
Edge Factor and the Center for the Future of Arizona believe in the power of early career exposure to help students make informed decisions. By incorporating real-world career stories into Arizona classrooms, we empower students to visualize themselves in fulfilling roles and contribute to their communities.
About the Center for the Future of Arizona
Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan "do-tank" that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. Through its survey research & communications, Arizona Progress Meters, and impact initiatives & programs in education, workforce, and civic health, CFA listens to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, shares trusted data about how Arizona is doing in those priority areas, brings critical issues to public attention, and works with communities and leaders to solve public problems.
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