Phoenix, the capital of Arizona as well as the sixth largest city in the United States with a population of approximately 1.41 million, is also the main city of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the southwestern U.S., claiming a population of approximately 3.25 million. Phoenix' original inhabitants were the Hohokam Indians who occupied the area as early as 300 B.C., but mysteriously vanished around 1450 A.D. In 1867, a former confederate soldier, Jack Swilling, discovered the rich soil in the area. By 1868, he and some others founded a small farming community and devised a canal from the Salt River to supply water. Swilling's friend, Darrell Duppa, suggested naming the community Phoenix, signifying the start of a new civilization from the ruins of the Hohokam. Phoenix was formally recognized as a town on May 4, 1868 and was incorporated on May 3, 1881.

Phoenix is often called Hoodzo, which in Navajo means, "the place is hot". With only minor seasonal changes throughout the year, it has a dry, semitropical climate. Typically, the skies over Phoenix are clear and blue, with sun shining at least 300 days per year and temperatures averaging 100 F between June and September. The area seldom dips to freezing temperatures, even in the winter months. Since 1896, Phoenix has only seen snow seven times. The climate and terrain of Phoenix support outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and biking on desert trails. Additionally, fishing and swimming among other water sports can be enjoyed at any of the five lakes near Phoenix including Lake Pleasant and Saguaro Lake with vast and clear waters that are pleasing to the senses.

Phoenix offers a variety of entertainment for fun-seekers. As the sun sets, desert temperatures cool down, but Phoenix nightlife heats up. A wide range of activities within a short proximity provides fun and excitement that is sure to please everyone. Local hotspots include trendy nightclubs such as the Axis-Radius Dance Club and the E4 as well as sports bars and restaurants like the Lucky Break Game & Grill and the Sports City Grill. For music fans, the Desert Ridge Marketplace showcases free outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. The intellectual, sophisticated side of Phoenix is visible at area museums and art galleries that exhibit culture, history, and arts, such as the Arizona Capitol Museum and Food For The Hungry. Sports fans enjoy the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, and the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix' early economy was agricultural, relying primarily on citrus and cotton farming. Over recent years, however, diversification has prompted an evolution of the city's economy. Numerous residents are employed by government agencies because of Phoenix' standing as the state capitol. The metro area has several telecommunications and high technology companies including Qwest Communications and MicroChip Technology, Inc. Other companies, including Go Daddy and Honeywell, have operations in Phoenix as well. The city is also the home of two Fortune 500 companies, Avnet Inc. and Phelps Dodge Corporation. Due to its warm winters, Phoenix sustains a booming tourism industry.

Private Universities/Colleges

• The University of Phoenix
• Grand Canyon University

Public Universities/Colleges

• Arizona State University
• Phoenix College
• Paradise Valley Community College

Technical/Professional Schools

• The Art Institute of Phoenix
• Devry Institute of Technology
• Apollo College

Selecting a school and program can be perplexing at times, but students will find an array of programs from which to choose when pursuing an education in Phoenix. The following are examples of programs offered:

Given so many options, how can a student pick an area of study? Dr. James Rubin, Division Chair of Career Counseling at Paradise Valley Community College suggests that students actually consider their interests first. “Pursue self exploration,” he says. “Explore your interests and your values. Go for things that are appealing to you.”

After investigating one's own interests, Dr. Rubin suggests getting outside input. “A student should try to work with advisors and counselors to help them get a better sense of direction,” he comments. “As well, look at the general economic trends or field trends. Also take a look at the training and skills needed for the job, the nature of the job, and even the salary.”

A student should research economic demands of the region as well. “Right now construction is huge because of our booming population. We have an influx of about 100,000 people per year. As a result, real estate is huge too,” says Chris Hartye, Director of Programs for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Department. “As well, healthcare is a very big, growing industry here. We have a shortage of nurses.”

The prospering Phoenix economy has a business sector that is doing extremely well. “Phoenix is strong in manufacturing. We have a huge Aerospace & Defense sector here, with Boeing and Honeywell,” Hartye says. “We just had 8.5 billion dollars in defense contracts designated by the federal government to Phoenix companies,” he continues, “and we are seeing semiconductors and high technology as a big part of our future. Intel is doing a 3 billion dollar expansion here. As a result, we have a need for industrial & software engineers.”

Private Universities

• Grand Canyon University - $ 9,750 full time resident; $12,000 full time non resident

Public Universities

• Arizona State University - $ 4,500 full time resident; $ 15,000 full time non-resident

Technical/Professional

• Art Institute of Phoenix - $ 40,974.00 (based on a two-year Associate of Applied Arts Degree)

The examples listed are base tuition costs and do not include other costs such as book fees, lab fees, housing fees, meal plans and other miscellaneous fees that schools may apply. Students are advised to research these additional costs as well.

There are also grants available to students. Grants do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need. They may come from the local or federal government, or the school itself. Besides grants are state and Federal loans, which need to be repaid beginning six months after conclusion of studies or graduation. Examples of these are the Perkins, the Federal Plus, and Federal Stafford loans. 10 million students apply for loans every year and approximately 9 million will obtain them.

Finally, there are scholarships. These do not need to be repaid. Some of these are national scholarships available to those that meet specific requirements. Others have eligibility criteria which limit the award to specific groups based on age, location, gender, ethnicity, and area of study.

Examples of scholarships available to students in Phoenix are as follows:

• Dorrance Family Foundation Scholarship - Up to $7,000 per year for Arizona high school seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 of higher and have been admitted to a public college in Arizona
• Navajo Nation Scholarship - Scholarships for Navajo Indians accepted to universities
• Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation Scholarship - For current or former permanent wards of the State of Arizona who are enrolled at or accepted in an institution of higher education
• The Ben Avery Scholarship - For Arizona residents with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, who are enrolled in a 4-year Arizona University
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship - Up to $5,000 for US Residents that are undergraduate students in good standing
• Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations Scholarship - $500 to $1000 for students entering sophomore, junior, or senior year with a 3.5 GPA or higher

These scholarships and numerous others are available to all students. It's suggested that students utilize research tools such as the Internet and local public libraries to explore these opportunities.

While many internships are unpaid, some internships are paid. As well, some internships actually earn college credits. Taking place in various environments including non-profit, corporate, and government business sectors, they endow the student with a competitive edge essential to success in today's job market.

Paradise Valley Community College is a great example of a college aiding students with internships. Dr James Rubin comments, “We work with local communities to develop opportunities for students and to provide resources for internships.” Dr. Rubin also understands student concern regarding pay, but emphasizes the key role that internships play on the road to a career. “Some internships may pay,” he continues, “but it's about providing the work experience the student needs. Furthermore, they'll make professional contacts as well as build their network.”

Many companies and organizations in Phoenix offer internships. One that stands out is the Phoenix Children's Hospital, offering internships in nearly every department of the hospital, from administrative to finance to child development.

Chris Hartye comments, “We are trying to grow the workforce here to meet the needs of manufacturers. There are a lot of partnerships between large companies and the community college system to give people the training that they need.”

Paradise Valley Community College provides an excellent example of this partnership. Dr. James Rubin further explains, “Job ‘placement' is actually comprehensive job development. We have advisory boards that keep occupational classes up to date. They do this by working with local businesses.” This is then complemented by on-campus recruitment. “Each semester we have a career fair where employers come and recruit,” Rubin continues. “To further help students, we do preparation seminars for these fairs, that show students how to properly present themselves, how to develop a great resume, et cetera.”