Arizona Department of Economic Security

06/12/2026

Earn while you learn through a registered apprenticeship!

Looking for a pathway to a new career? 🔍 Registered apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills while earning a paycheck.

Apprenticeships can help prepare participants for long-term career success across a variety of industries. Learn more and find apprenticeship opportunities through the Arizona Registered Apprenticeship Program: des.az.gov/apprenticeship

06/11/2026

Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day calls us to confront a difficult truth: between one and two million Americans over 65 have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation by someone they depend on for care. It’s a staggering reality and a reminder that protecting older adults is a responsibility we all share.

In Arizona, the Pima Council On Aging (PCOA) stands at the heart of that effort. As Pima County’s designated Area Agency on Aging, PCOA connects older adults, caregivers, and families with essential services, advocacy, and community support. Their online hub offers clear guidance on recognizing and reporting abuse, and their recent Stop the Scams presentation equipped residents with practical tools to guard against fraud targeting older adults.

PCOA serves adults 60+, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren, and adults 18+ with physical disabilities, meeting real and growing needs across Southern Arizona. Their programs, from Community Lunch and EnhanceFitness to A Matter of Balance and Dementia Capable Southern Arizona, strengthen health, resilience, and connection.

PCOA’s impact is amplified through its long-standing partnership with the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services, which ensures services remain strong, accountable, and responsive.

Investing in healthy aging benefits all of us, individuals, families, and the community. Explore more programs through the DAAS homepage, https://des.az.gov/blocks/senior.

06/10/2026

🏗️ Construction powers Arizona’s economy, employing 250,000+ people, or 8% of the state’s workforce. Rummel Construction, Inc. is helping grow that number through hands-on apprenticeship programs that build real careers while strengthening its workforce.

Since 2018, Rummel has offered three registered tracks:
🔧 Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)
🔩 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (HEM)
🛠️ Craft Construction Laborer (CCL)

These programs combine fieldwork, classroom learning, and even simulator training to prepare apprentices for long-term success. HEOs master earthmoving machinery, HEMs learn to diagnose and repair equipment, and CCLs gain essential skills in safety, site prep, and signaling.

Registered Apprenticeships like these don’t just benefit workers, they help employers invest in their teams and strengthen Arizona’s workforce.

Ready to start your journey or launch a program of your own? Explore opportunities through the Arizona Registered Apprenticeship Program by going to des.az.gov/apprenticeship

06/10/2026

With more than 750 Registered Apprenticeship programs across 12 industries, Arizona has empowered thousands to earn while they learn. Let’s spotlight some of the past incredible individuals who’ve turned opportunity into achievement. ✨

06/10/2026

☀️ SUN Bucks is back!

Eligible children may receive $120 in grocery benefits to help families purchase food while school is out.

Swipe through for answers to common questions about:
✅Eligibility
✅How benefits are issued
✅Application requirements
✅Important deadlines

Learn more, check eligibility, or apply at https://des.az.gov/SUNBucks.

06/08/2026

Summer is here, and so is SUN Bucks! ☀️

DES and the Arizona Department of Education are pleased to announce the return of SUN Bucks. Last week, DES began issuing the first SUN Bucks to nearly 270,000 children, totaling approximately $32 million. A total of 604,000 Arizona children are estimated to benefit from the program this summer, and SUN Bucks will infuse $72.5 million into Arizona’s economy.

Eligible children will receive $120 in grocery benefits to help families purchase food while school is out for the summer.

Whether you’re receiving SUN Bucks for the first time or have participated before, now is a great time to learn more about the program and check your eligibility. While most families will receive SUN Bucks automatically, those that need to submit applications must do so by August 3, 2026.

Learn more or apply at azed.gov/SUNBucks.

06/08/2026

The computer and information technology sector is gearing up for extraordinary growth between 2024 and 2034, far outpacing most other fields and offering median wages of around $105,990. That momentum is opening doors for new talent, and Raytheon (RTX) is helping lead the way through its Registered Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity and Digital Technology System Administration.

Launched in 2023 with Pima Community College and the Arizona Apprenticeship Office, this two‑year program creates a rigorous, hands‑on pathway into careers within Global Security Services (GSS). Its impact is already being recognized: on November 15, 2025, it earned the 2025 Exemplary Program Award in the Information Technology category at the 63rd Annual David G. Hollis Outstanding Apprenticeship Ceremony.

Dennis E. McMurray Jr., senior manager of program digital services at Raytheon, summed it up well: the program offers “an alternative entry point to a professional career for driven individuals,” while helping fill critical cyber and systems administration roles with fresh, motivated talent.

That vision is paying off. Five apprentices have already completed the program, three in Cybersecurity and two in Systems Administration, and all are now in salaried roles supporting classified programs in Tucson. Graduate Sierra Hodge shared, “My experience was great! I met all kinds of different people, and I loved the team I was on.”

If your organization wants to grow talent that truly understands your mission, Registered Apprenticeships offer a proven solution, with a 93% national retention rate. Build your pipeline with the Arizona Registered Apprenticeship Program and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.

🔗 Interested in finding more apprenticeship opportunities, or want to launch your own apprenticeship program? Head to des.az.gov/services/employment/apprenticeship-program! 👆

06/08/2026

AHCCCS has restored access to its public-facing HEAplus web portal following a temporary interruption as a precautionary measure. The agency has completed its review and confirmed the system is secure.

As always, protecting system integrity and user data remains a top priority.

Current status:
• The HEAplus public site is now available
• Systems are operational and accessible to users
• Ongoing monitoring and protective measures remain in place

Members and applicants may now resume normal use of the HEAplus website. Updates will be shared as needed.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure the safety and reliability of our systems.

06/05/2026

Keeping your home cool during an Arizona summer can be costly. ☀️

Power AZ helps eligible Arizona households with utility costs, providing support when energy expenses become difficult to manage. Resources may be available for you! Learn more about the program and how to apply at: des.az.gov/liheap

05/30/2026

Quality child care helps children learn, grow and thrive. ☀️

Recent data shows continued growth in access to high-quality child care across Arizona. Swipe through to explore the latest statistics. ➡️

Ready to start your child care search? Visit azccrr.com to find resources near you.