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About the AzJAC Project

Public computer centers at libraries in Arizona are overwhelmed with patrons and job seekers who wish to utilize internet access to search for jobs and obtain or improve job related skills training

To address this demand, Arizona Governor's Office of Economic Recovery, in partnership with Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, is leading the way on the Arizona Job Assistance Center (AzJAC).

The AzJAC Project was developed to create public locations throughout the state to assist those seeking employment by means of furthering education and career training. In conjunction with key partners from the Arizona Workforce Connection, the Arizona Department of Education, and the Arizona Small Business Development Center, this project seeks to address the overwhelming need for access to computers for the purposes of searching for and applying for jobs; and to obtain and improve job related skills.

AzJAC is funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), with a grant award of $1,646,936 and matching funds totaling $705,830 provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, and Arizona public libraries. BTOP II is a result of funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

AzJAC Goals

• Provide a Virtual Workforce Workstation dedicated to job seekers in 200 public libraries and community centers across the state. These desktop workstations are dedicated for job search and placement assistance plus comprehensive skill assessments, development of individual employment plans, and one-on-one counseling and career planning through video conferencing.
• Establish a Job Help Hub in 28 public and state libraries across the state. These portable computer labs are dedicated to job seekers for skill assessments/development, and job search/application, with at least one located in each county and centered in libraries in communities with the greatest need. There is also a provision for part-time instructors that will provide face-to-face training and one-on-one assistance/coaching to help with resumes, job searches, employment applications, starting a business, and continuing education opportunities.
• Serve as an economic development resource at tribal libraries, including Arizona libraries managed by the Cocopah Indian Tribe, Salt River Tribe, Yavapai Nation, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Fort Mohave Indian Tribe, and the Tohono O'odham Nation.

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