Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, announced nearly $9 million in grants awarded to Arkansas State University System campuses to support workforce development initiatives across the state. The funding is part of the $26 million awarded through the Higher Industry Readiness through Education Development (HIRED) program, aligned with the Arkansas Workforce Strategy.
Grant Details
The awarded grants will enhance workforce training programs in key industries:
- ASU-Jonesboro, ASU-Newport, and Arkansas Northeastern College
- Amount: $3 million
- Focus: Advanced manufacturing, food processing, and steel production, with stacked credential programs.
- ASU-Beebe
- Amount: $2.3 million
- Focus: Creation of the Arkansas AgriSmartIQ Focus Center for education in precision agriculture and related fields.
- ASU Three Rivers and Saline County Career Technical Center
- Amount: $2 million
- Focus: Establishing “SalineSync,” a workforce training initiative featuring career exploration, skills training, and industry engagement. The flagship project is the Aerospace and Defense Regional Focus Center in Benton.
- ASU Mid-South, ASU-Newport, and Partners
- Amount: $1.675 million
- Focus: Collaborative workforce initiatives with the Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium and Black River Technical College.
Program Goals
The HIRED grants aim to provide state and regional industry-driven partnerships, addressing the workforce needs of Arkansas employers. The projects focus on industries like steel manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, and cybersecurity, fostering career pathways for Arkansans.
Leadership Remarks
- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders highlighted the tailored approach of the HIRED program, emphasizing its role in building a competitive workforce for Arkansas’s key industries.
- ASU System President Brendan Kelly expressed gratitude to state leadership and industry partners for supporting initiatives that connect students with career opportunities in Arkansas.
- Commissioner Ken Warden of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education emphasized the alignment between higher education and employer needs, benefiting both businesses and workers.
The grants are funded through the Arkansas Workforce Initiative and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These investments are expected to significantly advance education and workforce training programs across Arkansas.
