Little Rock, Arkansas – A new era of hands-on education and workforce preparation has begun at Mills University Studies High School with the launch of the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction. The academy is designed to give high school students real-world training and exposure to high-demand careers in skilled trades, all while still earning their diploma.
This expansion is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between education and the local workforce. Over the course of four years, students enrolled in the Lexicon Academy will take part in immersive learning experiences that include job shadowing, industry tours, career mentoring, and interactions with professionals in the field.
“Partnerships like the one between Lexicon and Mills University Studies High School are vital to preparing our students for success beyond the classroom,” said PCSSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Guess. “When local businesses invest in our schools, they’re investing in the future of our entire community, bringing real-world relevance to our classrooms and opening doors to life-changing opportunities.”
The launch of the academy was made possible through the work of the Academies of Central Arkansas — a regional initiative that connects four school districts in Pulaski County (Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville North Pulaski, and Pulaski County Special School District) with area businesses and chambers of commerce. The goal of this initiative is to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in central Arkansas.
“This partnership reflects exactly what the Academies of Central Arkansas were built to do — connect students with meaningful opportunities that prepare them for high-wage, high-demand careers right here in central Arkansas,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber.
Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, students have already benefited from early program activities. These have included visits to industry sites, one-on-one mentoring sessions with business leaders, and exposure to workplace environments that help students picture what life could look like after high school.
The Lexicon Academy is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad. It equips students with the technical skills, personal confidence, and industry connections they need to thrive in construction and manufacturing careers that are vital to Arkansas’s economy.
To learn more about the Academies of Central Arkansas and their growing impact on education and career readiness, visit AcademiesofCentralArkansas.org.
