Submitted by Mesa Community College
MESA, Ariz. – July 23, 2025 – Three key partners in Arizona’s growing digital infrastructure industry—QTS, EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure and the Phoenix Chapter of the Association for Computer Operations Management (AFCOM)—are investing in the future of data center talent by contributing a combined $48,350 to launch a new Data Center Operations Scholarship Fund benefiting students at Mesa Community College (MCC) and Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC).
Administered by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, the fund provides tuition assistance to students enrolled in Introduction to Data Centers (course number AIT117) and Power Distribution Systems (course number AIT227) courses as part of a new Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Data Center Operations offered at the colleges. By earning the CCL students are equipped to serve in high-demand roles such as mechanical, electrical and controls technicians.
Initial contributions include: $33,350 from QTS, $10,000 from AFCOM and $5,000 from EdgeCore.
The gifts will support up to 50 students in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, with the fund positioned to grow through additional donations from other data center leaders and community stakeholders.
“QTS is proud to support the Data Center Operations Scholarship Fund and invest in the next generation of the data center workforce. By empowering emerging talent with education and opportunity, we’re helping to build a stronger, more innovative future for our industry,” said Bryan Darby, QTS vice president, Strategic Technology Initiatives.
“A part of the AFCOM Phoenix Chapter’s mission is supporting the talent of tomorrow by partnering with the Maricopa County Community College District. This partnership not only helps us advance that mission, but also makes a real difference in the lives of our emerging workforce,” said Ryan Gruver, president of the Arizona AFCOM Chapter.
“A trained workforce is critical to the continued growth and success of the data center industry,” said Bill Jabjiniak, senior vice president of National Community/Government Relations, EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure. “By funding this scholarship for the 2025 Intro to Data Center class, EdgeCore and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation are ensuring the development of the next generation of data center technicians.”
The Data Center Operations CCL is a 22-credit, two-semester certificate designed to meet workforce demand in Arizona’s data infrastructure sector. It features hands-on learning in:
- Data Center Infrastructure & Maintenance
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems including motors and Programmable Logic Controls (PLCs)
- Industry Safety Standards & Professional Ethics
The new courses–developed in partnership with Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) and AFCOM to ensure the content aligns with real-world data center operations expectations. The courses count toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Automated Industrial Technology (AIT), providing a clear path for continued education and advancement.
Newly created courses AIT117 and AIT227 complement six existing Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) courses.
“Working closely with industry allowed us to build a program that gets students career-ready from day one. With the added support of stipends, we’re able to open the door even wider—removing financial barriers and helping students stay focused on their futures.” said MCC Automated Industrial Technology Program Director Ken Hackler.
“Our partnership with local data centers helps students gain the skills needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries. We’re proud to support workforce development that directly connects education to high-demand careers,” said EMCC Dean of Academic and Workforce Programs, Becky Baranowski, Ed.D.
Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Interim President & CEO, Judy Sanchez said she is “thrilled to be working alongside the data center industry to bring scholarship opportunities to students pursuing careers in this sector,” and encourages businesses and individuals to support the Data Center Operations Fund. To learn more or make a contribution, please reach out to Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Chief Development Officer Nilam Patel at [email protected].
