CGCC Business & Computing Studies Division

AZ Cyber Tech Summer Camp gave high school students an inside look at the exciting world of cybersecurity!

Students learned from cybersecurity professionals, explored education and certification pathways, and discovered what employers look for in entry-level cyber careers. Prof. Scott Miller shared valuable insights into the growing field of cybersecurity. He highlighted opportunities available through Chandler-Gilbert Community College programs, including pathways that prepare students for EC-Council certifications.

Thank you to everyone who participated and took the first steps toward a future in cybersecurity!

Ready to take the next step toward your career?

The Year Up United Career Connect program helps students build the skills employers are looking for, all in a flexible format designed to fit around your schedule.

Through this FREE 6-week program, you'll have the opportunity to:
✅ Develop professional and job-readiness skills
✅ Build confidence and strengthen your personal brand
✅ Connect with fellow students and program leaders
✅ Access valuable career resources and support
✅ Grow your network and prepare for future opportunities

Just 2–4 hours per week can help you gain skills that make a difference as you prepare for internships, jobs, and your future career.

Flexible virtual workshops
Open to eligible students ages 18+
Scan the QR code or visit yearup.org/maricopa to learn more and apply!

Your future self will thank you.

AI Unleashed: Robots, Defenders, Creators & Code was an incredible week of innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning!

High school students spent four days exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping the world around us through robotics, cybersecurity, coding, design, and digital literacy.

Throughout the camp, students:
🤖 Met and interacted with robots from Pringle Robotics
💻 Learned coding with Micro:bits alongside Avnet and Tekletics
🔑 Designed and 3D printed custom keychains
🌙 Created AI-powered lunar fashion concepts with Sherri Barry from FABRIC
🔐 Explored AI's role in cybersecurity with Prof. Josh DeLano and competed in a Capture the Flag challenge
🏺 Used AI-generated artwork as inspiration for hands-on ceramics projects with Prof. Michael Ceschiat
🗣️ Debated AI on topics of their choice with professionals from Deloitte
🧠 Learned how computers classify images, investigated deepfakes, and experimented with machine learning activities with Prof. Wade Huber

A huge thank you to our faculty, industry partners, and students for making this camp such a success. The future of technology is bright, and these students are already helping shape it!

Congratulations to Johnathan Sanchez-Ortiz for winning the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation Scholarship! This scholarship provides financial support to students attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College, helping remove barriers and open doors to future success.

A business analyst at Barrett Financial and proud husband and father of two daughters, Johnathan Sanchez-Ortiz is pursuing a finance degree at Chandler-Gilbert Community College with a purpose that goes beyond personal advancement. Committed to financial literacy and economic empowerment, Johnathan aims to use his education to advise and advocate for low-income communities — ensuring that access to financial guidance is not a privilege, but a right.

Congratulations to Emily Nuno for winning the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation Scholarship! This scholarship provides financial support to students attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College, helping remove barriers and open doors to future success.

A five-year Chandler resident, devoted wife and mother, and nonprofit leader with the BISTA organization, Emily Nuno brings a spirit of service and determination to everything she does. Now pursuing a small business management program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Emily is channeling her community experience and leadership into building a future that will create opportunity for her family and others like her throughout the East Valley.

Congratulations to Peyton Schonscheck for winning the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation Scholarship! This scholarship provides financial support to students attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College, helping remove barriers and open doors to future success.

A recent Basha High School graduate and accomplished band leader, Peyton Schonscheck is heading to Chandler-Gilbert Community College this fall with a clear vision for the future. Driven by a passion for music education and entrepreneurship, Peyton aspires to open a music business providing lessons, supplies, and instruments to students — building the kind of creative opportunity in Chandler that inspires the next generation of musicians.

Have a business idea you've been thinking about?

Take the next step and enter the Business Pitch Competition hosted by the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Entrepreneurship Center!

Pitch your venture before experienced Gilbert Chamber Foundation judges, gain valuable real-world feedback, grow your network, and compete for cash prizes.

🏆 Prize Opportunities:
🥇 First Place: $3,500
🥈 Second Place: $1,000
🥉 Third Place: $500

New to pitching? Participants are encouraged to attend our optional Pitch Preparation Workshop on June 9 to help refine their presentations and build confidence before competition day.

Competition Date: June 25, 2026
Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, Gilbert
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Applications due June 11

Whether you're launching a startup, testing a new idea, or looking to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, this is your opportunity to share your vision and take your business to the next level.

Turn data into insights with the Data Analytics Fast Track Microcredential Pathway.

The Business & Computing Studies Division at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is excited to share this Maricopa Community Colleges program designed to help learners build in-demand skills in data analytics in just 24 weeks.

Through this live online program, participants will gain hands-on experience in:
• Data Analytics Fundamentals
• Excel
• SQL
• Data Visualization with Power BI
• Python

Students will also earn open digital badges and complete a capstone project to showcase their skills to employers.

June 9 to December 15, 2026
Live Online
Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$790

Whether you're looking to upskill, pivot into a new career, or strengthen your technical toolkit, this pathway offers a practical and flexible way to get started.

🔗 Learn more and register: maricopa.edu/mcp-data-analytics

Summer is here

Arizona heat season has officially arrived, and we want to know: how do you stay cool?

Favorite drinks? Pool days? Staying inside with the AC blasting?

Share your favorite ways to beat the heat in the comments below

The Business & Computing Studies Division at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is excited to offer our AI for Business Microcredential, a practical, hands-on opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping today’s business world.

In this 12-week, live-online program, participants will learn how to apply AI across key areas, including marketing, customer support, accounting and finance, human resources, and business operations.

Program begins September 14 - December 7
Meets Mondays from 6:00–8:30 PM
Live-online
Cost: $300

This program is ideal for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs looking to stay competitive and informed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

To apply or learn more, please contact [email protected]

Stay ahead. Stay innovative.