Eastern Arizona College Expands to Pima with New Skilled Trades Building

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks historic partnership to boost workforce development and community education

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31am

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Eastern Arizona College (EAC) has officially opened a new Skilled Trades Building in Pima, Arizona, transforming a former high school facility into a hub for hands-on learning opportunities. The ribbon-cutting event celebrated the power of collaboration between EAC, Pima Unified School District, the Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT), and other partners to expand access to skilled trades education and support the region's rapid population growth.

Why it matters

This expansion marks the first time EAC has established an official facility in Pima since the college's founding in 1888, symbolizing a commitment to serving the broader Graham County region. The new center is positioned as a key driver for sustainable progress, workforce development, and economic growth in the fast-growing town of Pima.

The details

The new facility will house classes in woodworking, upholstery, lapidary and gem making, and welding, designed to build practical skills. It will serve dual-enrollment high school students through partnerships like GIFT, where hundreds enroll in EAC classes each year, as well as provide tuition-free classes for adults aged 55 and older. The project was made possible through strategic collaborations and funding, including a grant from the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation.

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • The new Skilled Trades Building is the first official EAC facility to be located in Pima since the college's founding in 1888.

The players

Eastern Arizona College (EAC)

A public community college that has proudly served the Graham County region since 1888.

Pima Unified School District

The school district that previously owned the building now repurposed for EAC's Skilled Trades program.

Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT)

A publicly funded district focused on providing technical and soft skills education, partnering with EAC on dual-enrollment programs.

Todd Haynie

The president of Eastern Arizona College, who has personal ties to the Pima community.

Nia Berume

A Pima Junior and GIFT student who shared her positive experience in the welding program.

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What they’re saying

“The GIFT program is a great blessing to be able to participate in. It has taught all of us who take it very valuable lessons, not only how to weld, but other life skills. It's shown us all how to be a team and work together. I'm very grateful to be a part of this program and set up a career for myself.”

— Nia Berume, Pima Junior and GIFT student

“Today is a great example of what can happen when members of a community get together and create and share a vision to benefit the community and benefit our young people. Nia is a perfect example of that. She is, as if you visit with her, she radiates confidence... Girls make some of the best welders. They outdo the boys almost every single time.”

— Clay Emery, GIFT Superintendent

What’s next

The new Skilled Trades Building is expected to immediately fill up with eager students, doubling EAC's welding capacity and providing expanded opportunities in other skilled trades as well.

The takeaway

This expansion of EAC's presence in Pima represents a strategic partnership that will strengthen the link between education and community needs, ensuring that the town's rapid growth translates into opportunities for learners of all ages to develop in-demand skills and build successful careers.