Little Rock, Arkansas – On Thursday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders revealed that nearly $26 million in HIRED training grants has been allocated to 14 recipients.
The grants are designed to enhance workforce development throughout the state.
“Education requires a tailored approach, and the HIRED Grant Program enables us to connect with Arkansas students, schools, and businesses in a way that suits their unique needs,” stated Governor Sanders. “These grants aim to strengthen the workforce of tomorrow and enhance Arkansas’s competitiveness in sectors like steel manufacturing, aerospace and defense, lithium, and cybersecurity.”
Ken Warden, Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, highlighted how these awards align with the Arkansas Workforce Strategy, declaring, “This is a win for Arkansas.” Employers will secure the workforce they require, while employees will benefit from increased wages through enhanced training.
Mike Rogers, the Chief Workforce Officer, emphasized Arkansas’s legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship, stating, “Now is the ideal moment to make regional investments in our two- and four-year colleges.” Employers are seeking targeted short-term training and advanced educational qualifications. It involves revisiting our origins while also exploring innovative avenues.
The HIRED grants, which are a component of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development program, receive funding from the Arkansas Workforce Initiative. A total of $88 million is available through two tracks managed by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
Below is a compilation of individuals and organizations that have received grants:
Track 1 HIRED Grant Recipients
• Arkansas State University – Beebe, $2,300,000
• Arkansas State University –Three Rivers SCCTC, $2,000,000
• Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus, $2,750,000
• Black River Technical College with Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium (ADTEC) – $1,675,000
• Ozarka College, $1,550,000
• Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia, $2,750,000
• University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, $2,500,000
• University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton, $2,000,000
• University of Arkansas – Data Science, $750,000
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Cybersecurity, $750,000
• University of Arkansas at Monticello – Crossett, $2,000,000
Combined Track Proposals
• Jonesboro, Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University – Newport, $3,000,000
• University of Arkansas – Semiconductors, $1,000,000
• University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, $1,700,000
