In the News

Veterinary Science Center sign on brick wall.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the New Health & Medical Center at JTED

The Potoff Private Philanthropy Veterinary Science Center, an integral part of the state-of-the-art health and medical center at JTED, officially opened its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 4, 2024. The center was established through the generous contributions of private donors and philanthropic organizations, aiming to revolutionize the field of veterinary medicine through cutting-edge research, advanced treatment options, and community outreach programs.

In addition to its clinical services, the Potoff Veterinary Science Center focuses on education and innovation. It serves as a hub for aspiring veterinary students and researchers, offering state-of-the-art laboratories, educational programs, and opportunities for groundbreaking studies in animal health.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local officials, donors, and community members, celebrated the vision and collaboration that brought the center to life. Speeches highlighted the center’s role in improving animal welfare and its broader impact on public health. The event also included guided tours of the facility, showcasing its impressive capabilities and future potential.

The opening of the Potoff Veterinary Science Center underscores a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for animals and the people who care for them, while also fostering innovation in veterinary medicine for years to come.

Take a look at this fly through of the new Health & Medical Center at JTED. Ribbon cutting ceremony to take place Fall 2024!

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Potoff Private Philanthropy and the programs we support are making news in those communities we’re honored to serve. Following are just a few examples of the stories and segments that have attracted media interest.

Banner for health and medical careers center.

Potoff Private Philanthropy Funds JTED Healthcare High School With $3.2 Million

In its ongoing effort to help Pima JTED become a national model for career and technical education in the United States, PPP donated $2 million to the building fund for a new health care high school at the Bridges in Tucson, Arizona. The groundbreaking for the 50,000 square foot building was May 4th, 2023. PPP joined with the Zuckerman Foundation and the Hillman Foundation to help fund the building which will focus on teaching and job training related to jobs in Public Health and Veterinary Sciences.

In addition to the $2 million building grant, PPP funded an operational grant for $650,000 to establish the position of Director of Research and Development at JTED and $500,000 to fund student scholarships and provide funds for community projects related to JTED programs. The student scholarships will be administered by Ashley Lown, the Potoff Private Philanthropy Endowed Chair established by PPP with a $1 million gift to JTED.

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Smiling man in suit with colorful tie.

Inside Tucson Business

Potoff Private Philanthropy commits millions to support career and technical education
Inside Tucson Business highlights People in Action in our community, including Bill Westcott, executive director of Potoff Private Philanthropy.

Click here to read more.

BizTucson cover featuring Pima JTED program.

BizTucson

Read about how JTED readies students for the 21st century starting on page 6.
Read about the Potoff Private Philanthropy funded JTED Innovative Learning Center at the Bridges starting on page 18.

A special report from the Spring 2021 edition of BizTucson magazine highlighting Potoff Private Philanthropy and Pima Joint Technical Education District as a national model of skills-based, tuition-free job training. Click here to read the issue.

PIMA JTED logo with gear design.

Arizona Daily Star

JTED now home to 100,000 success stories

Op-ed by Kathy Prather, Superintendent, Pima/JTED

Benjamin Franklin was known to have said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Though these words of wisdom were spoken during the 18th century, they’ve never been more relevant than they are today, particularly in the context of career and technical education, or CTE, and the enormous impact it has on Southern Arizona high school students, businesses, and communities.

PIMA JTED at The Bridges Campus building.

KXCI – Radio

Nonprofit Spotlight

Nonprofit Spotlight host Elva De La Torre spoke with Kathy Prather, Superintendent and CEO of Pima County JTED, about career and technical educational opportunities high school students.
Click here to listen to the interview(opens in new tab).

PIMA JTED Innovative Learning Center building exterior.

KVOA – TV

Pima JTED answers call for additional health care providers

Students who have a passion for the health care industry are finding their way to that career through Pima JTED.

It is a profession that needs people now, more than ever, because of the pandemic. Click here to read more.

PIMA JTED Health and Medical Careers building.

Inside Tucson Business

Pima JTED expands healthcare training as local demand increases

As the world is more focused than ever on the importance of medical professionals, local high school students are gaining more opportunities to explore and experience the growing healthcare industry. Pima JTED, a technical education district comprising 14 local high schools, is expanding its Health Care Professions program with two new options: Comprehensive Health Care Technician and Pharmacy Technician. Click here to read the news segment. 

Students conducting a science experiment in lab.

KGUN – TV

Pima JTED starts 2021 semester with online-only learning and new programs

The district is offering two new programs in 2021: Robotics and automation and pharmacy tech. Click here to view the news segment.

People marching with a veterinary science banner.

NPR Morning Edition

March 9, 2022. High school students find employers and colleges are trying to recruit them. Click here to read and listen to this informative article.

An Exciting Announcement

Man giving thumbs up with another person.

New Strategic Partnerships

I am excited to announce that we are currently working with United Way’s C2C and the Goodwill Re-Engagement Centers to develop a more robust workforce pipeline in the Hospitality Sector. Caroline Lewis, Program Manager for the Cradle to Career Partnership, created an Essential Skills for Hospitality Careers Internship that she is leading this month. This 20-hour experience includes a range of topics such as Personal Identity and Strengths, Mental Health & Wellness at Work, and Substance Misuse Prevention. Our attendees engaged with a Hospitality Panel today and will get a chance to tour the Westin La Paloma tomorrow, making it a comprehensive and hands-on experience. I am proud to say that twenty-three youths are attending this training, and we intend to connect them to hospitality jobs at our local resorts.

Two people smiling at an event.

Doing Something Extra

In addition, we are also working with United Way, Goodwill of Southern Arizona, The Pima County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council, and others to offer a Hospitality Job Fair on Wednesday, September 20th. We are currently working to include exhibitors from PCC Culinary, NAU’s Hospitality Program, Gap Ministries, Goodwill, Job Corps, JTED, etc. HR managers from Hacienda Del Sol, La Paloma, Miraval, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton El Conquistador, Starr Pass, Ventana Canyon, and Westward Look resorts will be in breakout rooms ready to discuss entry-level jobs, explain career pathways, and interview job seekers. This will provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers to network and connect with potential employers. Our audience will range in age from 16 – 60 and include CTE and JTED HS students, Goodwill/Cycle Breaker opportunity youth, and adult job seekers from the Pima County One-Stop.