BACKGROUND

History
The City of Chandler is known as the high-tech oasis of the “Silicon Desert,” located in the southeastern part of the Phoenix metro area. It is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the nation, with a 100% population increase since 1990 and an average of 800 new residents per month in 2001. From its roots as an agrarian township, the City of Chandler has flourished into a premier community known for its excellent residential and employment opportunities. Interstate 10, a major route at the City of Chandler’s western edge, connects the city to major metropolitan centers on the East and West Coasts. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is just 20 minutes away due to its proximity to Phoenix’s extensive and ever expanding freeway systems.

Chandler Unified School District is one of the fastest growing school districts in Arizona. Their enrollment has more than doubled in one decade, from 11,000 students in 1991 to more than 25,000 in 2002. The district is made up of 18 elementary schools, four junior high schools, two high schools, two alternative school sites, one of which is at CGCC, and five support sites.

The Town of Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area. In the last decade and a half, the Town of Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled in the United States, increasing in population from 29,188 in 1990 to over 127,000 in 2002 and estimated to reach 180,000 by 2006. As the Town of Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy, couched in the industrial and commercial arenas, while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. Gilbert Public Schools are now serving more than 32,000 students at four high schools, five junior high schools and 23 elementary schools as well as the Alternative Center of Education.

Neighboring Queen Creek is a growing community that currently is home to 5,200 residents and is estimated to reach 18,000 by 2010. Queen Creek is bordered by the San Tan and Goldmine Mountains to the south, and the Superstition Mountains to the northeast. The General Plan calls for the preservation of both Queen Creek and Sanokai Washes as public open space. Albeit these historic washes are usually dry, they are home to myriad wildlife. Queen Creek is preparing for new additions to its rich cultural diversity. Access to both rail and air service, as well as large tracts of affordable land, have brought the Queen Creek area to the recent attention of the high-tech industry and residential developers. Though growth is inevitable, residents seek to preserve the friendly, small-town spirit while providing economic and recreational opportunities that provide a high quality of life.

The Queen Creek school board has approved a Capital Improvement Program Plan that will now move forward to the State School Facilities Board for consideration. The plan coincides with the Town growth projections and lays out the future of the Queen Creek School District for the next several years. The plan proposed new elementary school construction in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Queen Creek High School addition (for 300 students) is planned for 2007 and a new middle school is tentatively planned for 2008.

The business and occupational trends in the Southeast Valley also reflect rapid change. While the service area has strong agricultural roots, manufacturing has emerged in the 1980’s and is expected to continue. Electronics, aviation/aerospace, information technologies, telecommunications, research, and other industries, and construction and retail trade are projected to be the major employers.

Substantial growth in the labor force has paralleled the service area’s population growth and business/occupational change. The labor pool is well rounded and includes ample skilled and unskilled labor, office workers, and a solid mix of technical, managerial, and professional personnel.

Population
The population of the CGCC service area has grown rapidly since 1980 and is expected to continue to grow rapidly. Currently the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) projects the population to grow to approximately 400,000 residents by the year 2005. Based on these projections, the CGCC Pecos Campus student enrollment will increase from the current 7,513 headcount to approximately 17,000 by 2010, a 126% increase over eight years. Overall at the college, full time student equivalents (FTSE) has grown from 1,693 in 1997 to 3,586 in 2002, an increase of 112%, more than doubling in the last five years.

Demographics
The demographics of the service area are expected to continue to reflect a trend of increasingly youthful population, having a median age of 27 years. Approximately 80% of the graduates from this campus go on to study at universities. This campus is composed of a high percentage of transfer students indicating that transfer programs are an essential part of the campus’ academic makeup.

As the nature of the East Valley changes from agriculture to that of industry (e.g., information technology, manufacturing, construction, retail, office, and service), the programs offered at this campus must continue to reflect these trends. Occupational courses in these areas should continue to be offered at one of the CGCC locations. Furthermore, there is an apparent need for certificate programs in the areas of aviation, aerospace, information technologies, office-automation, computer science, telecommunications, retail, and health services.