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Chandler Unified highlights $5M Toyota grant and launches semiconductor CTE course with University of Arizona
Summary
Superintendent's report at the Aug. 20 board meeting highlighted a $5 million, five-year Toyota Financial Services 'Driving Possibilities' grant funding STEM coaches and technology at Galveston and Frey elementaries, and promoted a new standalone semiconductor curriculum developed with the University of Arizona that offers dual-enrollment credit with Rio Salado College.
At its Aug. 20 meeting, the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board celebrated recent grants and new career-technical education offerings.
Superintendent Narducci and staff summarized the district's second year as a recipient of the Toyota Financial Services five-year "Driving Possibilities" grant (total value presented in the meeting: $5,000,000). The grant has funded a full-time STEM coach at Galveston and Frey elementaries and supplied technology, professional development and after-school STEM clubs; administrators said site visits by grant officials affirmed the district's implementation.
The board heard that district high-school students can pursue additional diploma seals (biliteracy, arts proficiency, civic literacy and personal finance) recognized by the Arizona State Board of Education. Staff urged families to consult high-school teams about pathways to earn those seals.
District presenters also showed a short news clip and described a new career and technical education semiconductor curriculum developed in partnership with the University of Arizona. Administrators noted the program is the first stand-alone semiconductor curriculum offered in a school district (as stated in the clip) and emphasized local industry connections: staff cited employer presence (Intel, NXP, Cirrus Logic) and ties to statewide semiconductor investment. The course provides hands-on experience and dual-enrollment credit with Rio Salado College, and instructors include industry veterans such as Omar Munoz.
The board also heard fundraising and community-support updates: Chandler Education Foundation reported granting more than $179,000 to CUSD classrooms last year and announced its annual golf fundraiser on Sept. 5, 2025.
Board members praised the programs and encouraged community support. Administrators said they will continue to expand CTE pathways and partner with industry and higher-education partners to prepare students for regionally significant job opportunities.
