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Five million dollars may not go far, but a new federal grant that size should help some local workers succeed in globally competitive high-tech fields, officials said at a kickoff luncheon Tuesday.

"The dollars may not be significant, but the effort is," said Larry Hecker, an attorney active in local economic-development efforts. "You can't stand still in economic development. You have to move forward."

A $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration will fund Southern Arizona's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development initiative, to be carried out by a four-county partnership called Innovation Frontier Arizona.

The grant will fund educational programs in Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties to prepare the region's work force for high-tech, high-wage jobs. Among the programs:

● Boosting the rate of high-tech degrees and certificates awarded by the region's community colleges by creating a common curriculum.

● Developing a training program, in conjunction with the University of Arizona's McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, for entrepreneurs who are unable to attend the UA.

● Training nearly 50 teachers and counselors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and careers.

● Exposing nearly 7,000 students to programs in these fields, particularly at science fairs.

● Developing the Border Professionals Preparedness Program, aimed at increasing workplace literacy of adults in fields such as border security, customs and logistics.

Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor employment and training administration, joined Gov. Janet Napolitano in applauding the collaborative efforts of Innovation Frontier Arizona at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

The growth of Arizona's economy depends on the skill level of its workers, DeRocco said.

"The availability of a skilled work force is the No. 1 factor in deciding where a company will build and grow its business," she said.

High-paying jobs will be filled by outside workers if Arizonans lack the necessary skills, Napolitano said.

"We need to recognize this next generation is competing with an economy that's global," the governor said.