David George, a student at Highland High School in Highland, Arkansas, and John Petersen, Highland’s College and Career Coach; and Jacklyn Langevin, a student at Mountain View High School in Mountain View, Arkansas, and Lori Sullivan, Mountain View’s College and Career Coach met with Governor Mike Beebe, and their State Senators and Representatives at the State Capitol Tuesday morning to share with them the accomplishments of the Arkansas Works initiative.
Students and career coaches met with their state legislators and provided briefing documents detailing the achievements of the program and how the initiative is making a positive impact on students in their communities. Students and career coaches were also recognized by Speaker of the House Rep. Robert S. Moore in the House Chamber as well as Senator Paul Bookout, President Pro Tempore, in the Senate Chamber. House Education Chairman, Rep. Eddie Cheatham, also honored the group during the weekly House Education Committee meeting. The students and coaches lined the walls of the committee room, filling the room to capacity.
Over the past year, College & Career Coaches have been serving high school students and adults in 21 counties in Arkansas by helping them explore career goals and empowering them with new information about postsecondary education and career training programs beyond high school. Working in high schools, community colleges and career centers, career coaches provide assistance in the areas of: academic tutoring, career counseling, mentoring, financial guidance and other support necessary for postsecondary education/training access, retention and success.
Early data of the initiative shows that enrollment in the Common Core curriculum is up, ACT scores are improving, and enrollment in post-secondary education programs is at an all-time high. Highland and Mountain View have experienced particularly strong student participation in the initiative and students are realizing new opportunities everyday that help them plan for their future success. “My career coach has opened my eyes to a world of career and education possibilities I never knew existed,” said one student. “I now have a plan to help me reach my career goal. My coach has inspired me to follow my dreams and I am more determined than ever to succeed.”
In addition to the college & career component of the initiative, an online system and ACT preparation are integral parts of Arkansas Works. The online tool allows Arkansas residents, students and adults to take interest and skills assessments, explore 21st century jobs and refine their college and career plans. The ACT academies are designed to increase ACT scores and reduce the remediation rate of students advancing to higher education.
Arkansas Works is a partnership among Governor Mike Beebe’s Workforce Cabinet, comprised of the Department of Career Education, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Department of Higher Education, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (funding agency), Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. Additional partners include Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
