Posted on October 14, 2020 • Category: News Releases
CFA’s Young Talent Progress Meter development process engaged input from thousands of young Arizonans to spark statewide conversation with cross-sector leaders
PHOENIX (October 14, 2020) – The Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) today announced the launch of the Young Talent Progress Meter, informed by focus groups, statewide surveys, and statewide participation by Young Talent Advisors. The progress meter provides data on how the state is doing on issues of key concern to our state’s emerging leaders.
Arizona’s young leaders are critical to our state’s future success and we need their talents and contributions as leaders today and tomorrow. What factors will keep young Arizonans contributing to our communities and organizations in all sectors? To answer these questions, CFA embarked on a multi-year research project designed to capture the highest priorities of Arizona’s young talent and provide Arizona leaders and employers in every sector with a new understanding of this generation’s values and goals.
The process culminated with a survey that captured over 2,000 responses and thousands of comments from young Arizonans across the state. These responses, along with input from CFA’s Young Talent Advisors, helped shape the 13 metrics included in the Young Talent Progress Meter.
“We were struck by the outpouring of ideas, interest, and insights young people across the state have contributed to this project. They want to be heard and make an impact,” said Sybil Francis, President & CEO, Center for the Future of Arizona. “We are excited to help amplify their voices and bring data to the fore of this conversation about making Arizona a place where all young people thrive now and in the future.”
Echoed throughout the findings were universal themes: a quality education and access to opportunity for all, the need for healthy and vibrant communities, the pull toward purpose-driven careers, and the strong desire to make an impact and see future-focused, responsive leadership for Arizona. Some key findings from the data include:
“With all of these complex challenges and opportunities, what can we do to make Arizona a magnet for young talent? We have begun the journey by asking questions and listening. And in doing so, we have seen powerful stories emerge of rising leaders across the state who are not only building a future here but contributing in vital ways right now,” said Francis. “A few things have become very clear to us in these conversations: We all want to be listened to. We are hungry for data to help make informed decisions. And we want to come together to solve problems. Our collective success will depend on this shared journey and active commitment.”
CFA’s Next Steps
The results of CFA’s statewide survey and the data made available through the Young Talent Progress Meter will inform an ongoing strategy led by CFA to spark dialogue and prompt action around the issues Arizona’s young people say matter to them. CFA’s next steps to advance this strategy include:
CFA seeks active partnership with communities and leaders across the state to turn these data and findings into action to help make Arizona the place to be for young talent.
Subscribe today and stay connected with CFA by receiving news and updates by email.