14 higher education institutions in Arkansas have been awarded state funds to boost workforce training programs.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced over $26 million in Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grants on Thursday. The grants use funding established through a state law known as the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015.
Sanders said the HIRED program intends to make technical training opportunities more accessible, saying education is not a “one size fits all approach”
“A lot of our high schoolers now complete certificates while they’re earning their diploma and they come back a few years later for more credentialing. They may come back even a few years later for an associate’s degree.” Sanders said.
The governor then told a story about a Fort Smith student who began taking college classes and worked an apprenticeship while still in high school, thanks to programs funded by previous HIRED grants. The student went on to attend the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and stayed in the area to work an engineering job, according to Sanders.
“He has a great job doing what he loves in the same area he grew up. That should be possible for every young Arkansan in the state,” Sanders said, adding the program is important to keep businesses in the state, too.
“Business leaders tell us all the time that they need more workers, and not just any workers. They need skilled, hard workers.”
Sanders credited state Sen. Jane English, R-North Little Rock, for championing the program, calling her a “tireless advocate” for workforce programs.
“This was her vision that established the funding for the HIRED grant program nearly a decade ago,” the governor said. The HIRED grants use funding established through the Workforce Initiative Act in 2015.
Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden called the program a “win” for Arkansas.
“It’s a win for our employers as they’re going to have a talented and competent workforce they need, and it’s a win for individuals and for families because it’s going to enable them with more skills, and enable them to earn higher wages, which is what we want. We want opportunities for all Arkansans to prosper.”
Mike Rogers, the state’s Chief Workforce Officer, said more options for young Arkansans means more people will find a passion for their work.
“We hope that leads to sustainable income generation that allows for the potential to pay mortgages and to buy houses, get the cars, the things that can totally shift not just economic development in a region, but what they’re called to do.” Rogers said.
Southern Arkansas University and Arkansas Tech University - Ozark received the highest awards at $2.75 million each, followed by Arkansas State University Beebe with $2.3 million. Other awardees include UA Little Rock, UA Monticello, and Ozarka College.
