Pima JTED Rotary Club of Tucson Innovation Center opening July 2020

Abel Vasquez, Technology Director

“82 percent of young people entering the workforce are not equipped with the skills they need to succeed.”  - “State of the Skills Gaps”

“IMAGINE a high school where students can live their dreams.  Where all students are welcome: public, private (e.g., Salpointe), charter, home school, homeless, city and county.  Where failing students become honor roll.  Where students who would never dream of going to college have a three times greater chance of getting a college degree. A high school that prevents drop-outs, where 98% of students graduate. Where graduates have a certification in nursing, robotics, cybersecurity, 3D printing, graphic design, public safety, building trades and manufacturing.

College bound: Where 1,300 high school students get dual college credit, at no charge. One example. Our first in Arizona, licensed practical nurse LPN program: You graduate from high school with a LPN certification, 30 units of college credit and earn $20/hour.  You only need two more years of college for your RN. Saves two years of college tuition - $14,000 savings.  

The pathway to personal and community success: Pima JTED Rotary Club of Tucson Innovation Center.

Patti Greenleaf ~ Biography

Patti Greenleaf, Executive Director for the Pima JTED, has been a long-time Tucson resident. Patti has been a life-long educator where she has worked in Patagonia Union, Amphitheater, and the Pima JTED Districts. Ms. Greenleaf has a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona and Masters in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is passionate about education and Career and Technical Education.

We then proceeded immediately to our program, introduced by Past President JON WANG:  U of A Head Football Coach Kevin Sumlin.  Coach Sumlin is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor in Criminology.  His time as a player was primarily at linebacker, but his coaching mark has been on offense.  He spoke about recruiting goals for the coming year (add size on both sides of the line “so I’m not the tallest guy in the huddle”) as well as attract junior college transfers who can help the program immediately.  Two key players for the upcoming year will be running back J.J. Taylor who has emerged as a leader on and off the field, and quarterback Khalil Tate who is now healthy after last year’s injuries.  Coach Sumlin hopes these improvements will put the U of A on the other side of one and two point losses in contrast to last year.  During the question and answer period, the coach spoke about the importance of player character, of connecting to tradition through former players and coaches like Dick Tomey, and helping young players deal with the pressure of instant and often negative feedback from online sources.  After complimenting the Club on all the good it does in the community, Coach Sumlin signed a book for our lending library: “Dino-Football”.

• JOE PENNINGTON is a past Car Show Chairperson and current Commissioner of the Pima County Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Association.  JOE is happy to have had 60 days skiing during his latest birthday year.
• Past President DON ROLLINGS was Mansfield Middle School Class President and starting quarterback where he rang up a record of 0 – 7 – 1.  Unfortunately, Coach Sumlin had already left our meeting.
• KATHY KITAGAWA is a leader of the Arizona Town Hall and an accomplished photographer.  KATHY is happy to have completed a trip to the Galapagos Islands this past Birthday year.