Entergy Arkansas joined with the Arkansas Department of Education in announcing this week a $482,000 grant to fund development of 20 new Career and Technical Education courses for high school students and adults this summer.
The 20 new Trade and Industry CTE courses will be available to high school students in July 2021, while other CTE courses will be made available over the next two years. The State Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Office of Skills Development will provide additional consultation to reflect business and industry needs.
“In addition to affordable and reliable electricity, we need a good business environment, good transportation and qualified employees to help businesses grow if we want our state and communities to be successful,” said Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux who said the nearly one-half million dollars came from the Entergy Charitable Foundation.
In Arkansas, a majority of high school students are enrolled in one or more CTE programs of study, which are designed to prepare them for college and career after graduation.
“We are excited to partner with Entergy Arkansas to offer additional CTE courses to students around the state,” said Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key. “CTE is essential, as it provides high school students the opportunity to build workforce skills that will enhance learning and employability.”
Key said at least 53% of CTE students earn a median income of $55,000 or higher after graduation, and 68 percent of students who complete a CTE program of study earn a post-secondary credential.
When schools closed in the spring due to COVID-19, CTE students experienced a loss of access to in-person instruction and hands-on experience, potentially creating a gap in the pipeline of prepared workers. As a result, the Department of Education began working with $300,000 in CARES Act Funds to develop a plan for online and blended learning with its CTE Playbook, a template for 80 classes in multiple areas such as business and marketing, agriculture technology, STEM, and welding.
“Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years while Arkansas competes every day in recruiting for new and expanding business,” said Danny Games, director for Entergy Arkansas Business and Economic Development. “These companies require an educated and skilled workforce that can satisfy their needs and, in turn, provide higher-skilled and higher-paying jobs.”
Employers and employees will have access to the 20 new courses at a nominal cost by fall 2021.
Source: Entergy Arkansas