SRP and Gila Bend High School Set the Standard for Employer-Led Workforce Development

Gila Bend High School JAG visits SRP Gila River Power Station 2025

SRP Honored with JAG Arizona’s 2025 Power of Partnership Award

At the annual Celebration of Success Breakfast, We were proud to recognize Salt River Project (SRP) with the Power of Partnership Award at the annual Celebration of Success Breakfast last week. The award is reserved for organizations that demonstrates the impact of employer engagement.

SRP’s partnership with the JAG programs at Gila Bend High School and Middle School goes beyond funding, it’s a community-wide commitment to building Arizona’s future workforce from the ground up. SRP’s support through the Gila River Power Station has made a lasting impact on the students and families of Gila Bend, a rural town west of Phoenix. Through sustained funding, workforce exposure, and hands-on opportunities, the JAG program at Gila Bend High School has seen remarkable gains:

• 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2024

• 3,000+ community service hours completed

• 50 hours of service per student, on average

• Back-to-back Program of the Year awards (2024 & 2025)

• National recognition from Jobs for America's Graduates

• 88% GPA improvement and 79% improved attendance for the Class of 2025

SRP’s involvement goes beyond funding; they’ve sponsored custom JAG apparel, helped establish a student recreation center through a 21st CCLC partnership, and provided students with real-world business experience by allowing them to manage the power station’s vending machines.

In recognition of their exceptional partnership, SRP was invited by the student officers to unveil the new student-led JAG Arizona State Theme for the 2025–2026 school year:

“Different Roots, United Purpose.”

SRP’s partnership with JAG demonstrates what’s possible when employers take an active role in developing future talent pipelines. Their investment has helped students pursue careers in fields like engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades, while inspiring other companies across the state to follow their lead. "SRP’s support goes beyond funding programs; it builds confidence, leadership, and opportunity for students while creating pathways to meaningful careers. SRP is a true Pathway Maker.” said Marjorie DeRubeis, JAG President & CEO.

Why This Model Works

The SRP + Gila Bend model is replicable and scalable.

It combines:

• Strategic employer investment

• Local school district engagement

• High-touch, personalized student support

• Real career exploration and exposure

This is how workforce development should work and your company can be next! Partner with JAG Arizona to invest in students, schools, and the communities where your future workforce lives.

Ready to get involved? Partner with us to empower the next generation of Arizona’s workforce. Together, we can provide students with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

Click HERE or contact Shontel Dixon Mulato, Employer Engagement Manager, at shontel.dixonmulato@jagaz.org