Funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development using federal ARPA dollars, five community colleges received grants to upskill nursing professionals, expand nursing apprenticeship programs, and increase nurse educator recruitment and retention. 

Funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education using federal ARPA dollars, 15 community colleges received grants to support training programs directly aligned with State economic development priorities and local workforce needs. Funds support equipment, faculty, supplies, and other costs associated with training for careers in advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, skilled trades, energy efficiency and utilities, food and steel, aerospace and defense, and emerging technologies.

Funded through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education using federal TANF dollars to all 22 community colleges, CPI empowers low-income parents to complete credentials that lead directly to the workforce. This program provides case management, career advising, and financial support for costs such as books, child care, and transportation. CPI is nationally recognized for its multi- agency collaboration and innovative approach to using TANF dollars to promote family stability through employment.

Funded through the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College using federal USDOL dollars, ACC and six community colleges are collaborating to improve pathways for students pursuing nursing and EMT careers. Healthcare industry leaders will provide guidance on aligning curriculum with employer needs. State and community service providers will advise on leveraging resources to meet student basic needs.

Funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, ACC and four community colleges are collaborating with broadband industry leaders to train aerial linemen, underground drilling techs, communication tower techs, fiber optic techs, and fiber network engineers. Through this initiative, Arkansas is firmly on track to eliminate the digital divide by 2030.