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A publication of Arkansas Department of Workforce Education
501-682-1500 * http://dwe.arkansas.gov
T
he Arkansas Department of
Workforce Education hosted
a joint meeting of the State
Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities, the State
Board of Education and the Higher Education Coordinating Board at
the Governor’s Mansion on Nov. 3.
Board members and staffs from each of the three agencies joined
in the annual event, which included an address from Gov. Mike Beebe,
who stressed the importance each agency has in the state’s efforts to
educate and train people to enter the workforce and land high-paying,
high-demand jobs.
Director of Department of Higher Ed. Dr. Jim “When I talk about education, I am talking about each one of you
Purcell, DWE Director Bill Walker, SBWECO and then some,” Beebe said. “We cannot forget adult education, work-
Chairman Jack Justus, and Director of De-
partment of Ed. Dr. Ken James meet during
force training and retraining, pre-K, K through 12, two-year institutions,
Joint Education Board Meeting. technical colleges, four-year universities, and research universities that
are trying to stimulate the 21st century economy that Arkansas needs
to have. The bottom line – the success or failure of where we go as a people is largely dependent on the work
of the folks around these tables. The success or failure of Arkansas and her teachers is dependent upon educa-
tion – every aspect of education.”
The Governor said that while each agency has a vital mission, working together is necessary.
“It’s is appropriate for these three boards, which are each distinct and diverse, but extraordinarily impor-
BOARD continued on page 7
Focus on Lucy Ralston
Member, State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities
he was patient with me.”
The desire to give her full
I
t took Lucy Ralston three years
attention to the board was an
to accept an offer from for-
early indication of Ralston’s
mer Arkansas Governor Mike
dedication and commitment
Huckabee to join the State Board
to providing the leadership
of Workforce Education and Career
to help make decisions the
Opportunities, but she had a good
board faces.
reason for waiting.
“I wanted to be able
“I had a young child when Gov.
to give my total focus so I
Huckabee first asked me,” Ralston
couldn’t accept the offer until
said, “and I wanted to wait until I
the right time,” said Ralston, Ralston speaks with Governor Mike Beebe
could give my entire focus on serv-
who lives in Fayetteville and during July Dedication Ceremonies of a new
ing the board. The Governor want- monument placing the Arkansas Career Training
ed an Hispanic board member so RALSTON continued on page 3 Institute (ACTI) on the National Historic Register.
page 2
Director’s Update
William L. “Bill” Walker, Jr.
Director
Arkansas Department of Workforce Education A public information pamphlet
of the Arkansas Department of
nbelievably, another year has Workforce Education and the Divi-
U
in our state’s history. We believe
passed and we are on the Gov. Mike Beebe, working with sion of Arkansas Rehabilitation
eve of 2009. This is the time Services.
the General Assembly, will provide
of year we look back on our accom- the necessary funding to move our
plishments and make our resolu- agency forward to increase adult Arkansas Department of
tions for the coming year. education, vocational rehabilitation, Workforce Education
The senior management team and career and technical education
and I set many goals for this year funding levels for the citizens we Director
and accomplished several of them. serve, thereby helping to secure a
William L. “Bill” Walker, Jr.
We’re continuing to look for ways to strong and prosperous economic
make our agency as effective and Deputy Director for
future for our state. We are prepar-
efficient as it can be for the citizens Communications
ing for the challenges that lie ahead
of this great state. We will continue
Reginald L. Jackson
and we’ll continue to change and
to raise the bar every day in the move forward to make our agency
Contributing Staff
work that has been done, the work the best it can be for those whom
Adrienne Arnold
currently being done and the work we serve.
Ricky Harvey
that will be done to serve the people One of the real joys of the holi-
Bart Haynie
of Arkansas. day season is the opportunity to
Arkansas is fully immersed
Sandra Hubbard
express appreciation. I want to take
in the global economy of the 21st this time to personally say “thank
century. Our state’s students and Arkansas Department of
you” to the management and staff
employees must be prepared for Workforce Education
of each of the divisions of the Ar-
Three Capitol Mall
work in the competitive high-wage, kansas Department of Workforce Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1083
high-demand, high-tech careers of Education – Arkansas Rehabilita- 501-682-1500
the future. We’re no longer compet- tion Services, Career and Techni- 501-682-1509 fax
ing with neighboring cities or states cal Education and Adult Education http://dwe.arkansas.gov
for our livelihood, but with other na- - for your commitment and efforts
tions from every corner of the earth. in delivering quality service to our Arkansas Rehabilitation
Arkansans must be able to face to- clients and the citizens we serve. Services Division
morrow’s workforce challenges of It takes a very dedicated and com- Central Office
today just to keep pace! mitted professional to serve the 1616 Brookwood Drive
As our agency prepares for the public and I have great admiration Little Rock, AR 72202
coming legislative session, we be- for all the unique contributions that 501-296-1600 (V/TTY)
lieve it is of utmost importance that 800-330-0632 (V/TTY)
each of you continues to give to our
www.arsinfo.org
the state invests more in workforce agency.
education so that our citizens can Now that the holidays are upon
enjoy a greater quality of life in the us, may the joyous spirit of this
21st century. With our nation’s cur- beautiful time of year remain with
rent economic downturn, this ses-
sion will be one of the most crucial DIRECTOR continued on page 3
page 3
RALSTON continued from page 1
whose child is now 14.
Ralston has certainly given
her full effort in the six years
Department of Workforce Education she’s been on the board, fre-
#3 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201 quently making visits around
(501) 682-1500 the state to various conferenc-
es, meetings and Department
Division of Arkansas Essex Place, Suite 207 of Workforce Education facili-
Rehabilitation Services 1115 Waldron Road ties.
Central Office: Fort Smith, AR 72903
1616 Brookwood Drive (479) 452-7131 “Being visible is very impor-
P.O.Box 3781 tant to me,” Ralston said. “That way I can be there for
Little Rock, AR 72203 715 West Sherman, Suite E people to ask questions, for me to ask questions, and
(501) 296-1600 Harrison, AR 72601
Toll Free: 800-330-0632 (870) 741-7153 for me to see first-hand what is going on in the agency.
I think it’s crucial for board members to be knowledge-
26 Corporate Hill Drive 507 Cherry Street able about what is going on with the agency and its
Little Rock, AR 72205 Helena, AR 72342
(501) 686-2800 (870) 338-2753 programs all across the state.”
Ralston is a native of Bogata, Columbia. She holds
Hot Springs 105 Reserve a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Safacon College
Rehabilitation Center: Building 54
105 Reserve Hot Springs, AR 71901 Famenino in Bogotá and a degree in Evangelism from
Hot Springs, AR 71901 (501) 623-4479 YWAM Bible Institute in Elm Springs. She has served
(501) 624-4411 as a missionary in Mexico and Nicaragua and has
2920 McClellan Drive
Division of Rehabilitation Jonesboro, AR 72401
worked as an elementary school teacher, bank teller
Services Field Offices (870) 972-0025 and cosmetologist.
501 West Arch “I think it’s very important to serve the community
Searcy, AR 72143 102 Park Street
(501) 268-6650 Lonoke, AR 72086
and do what I can to help the people of this state go to
(501) 676-4490 college, get an appropriate education and training and
1670 White Drive help improve our workforce,” Ralston said. “I think it’s
Batesville, AR 72501 989 Highway 425 North important for all people to have the opportunity to get
(870) 793-4153 P.O.Box 450
Monticello, AR 71657 the education and training they need to be success-
The Professional Center, Suite 1 (870) 367-9669 ful.”
1226 Ferguson Drive “Our director, Bill Walker, does a very good job,”
Benton, AR 72015 1401 Main Street
(501) 317-1390 North Little Rock, AR 72120 Ralston said. “I really like the way he has handled the
(501) 833-1490 agency since he has been here. He is a very intelligent
P.O.Box 660 person and has approached things in a different way
Booneville, AR 72927 2703 West 28th Street
(479) 675-3835 P.O.Box 2560 that has helped us become more successful. I have
Pine Bluff, AR 71613 been very happy with him and the way things have pro-
Museum Plaza, Suite 3 (870) 534-2404 gresed.”
1150 North Museum Road
Conway, AR 72032 1010 North Arkansas
(501) 730-9725 Russellville, AR 72801 DIRECTOR continued from page 2
(479) 890-5751
708 West Faulkner you throughout 2009 and beyond. From our entire
El Dorado, AR 71730 2807 East Broad DWE family to you and your loved ones, our warmest
(870) 862-5451 Texarkana, AR 71854
(870) 773-2807 wishes to you for a year of happiness and prosperity.
One Corporate Square, Ste.150 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
4058 North College
Fayetteville, AR 72703
210 Shoppingway
Boulevard, Ste. D
We Wish you Great Joy, Peace, Happi-
(479) 582-1286 West Memphis, AR 72301 ness and Prosperity this Holiday Season
(870) 735-4725 and throughout 2009. Season’s Greetings
from the entire staff of the Arkansas De-
partment of Workforce Education!!!
page 4
Arkansas Transition Program Utilizing
to assist Students making career decisions
udy Smith, program coordinator of Arkansas Re-
J
most likely be successful.
habilitation Services Division’s Arkansas Transi- “It gives students who may
tion Program (ATP) says transition counselors lack a creative spark or
now have access to the “greatest thing” they’ve ever have no idea what they
been exposed to as far as education is concerned. want to do beyond high
Smith is talking about the Kuder Career Planning school a career direc-
System that provides Internet-based tools and resourc- tion,” said Eddie Hans-
es that help students and adults achieve their educa- ford, a transition coun-
tional and career planning goals. She and four transi- selor for both Springdale
tion counselors representing six Arkansas high schools high schools. “It gives Judy Smith, Director
now have Kuder in place as a way to assist students them a chance to inves- Transition Services
with disabilities make a smoother transition to higher tigate and explore ca-
education, the workplace and independent lives. reer possibilities and it helps them with the organiza-
“We’re now preparing students not just for gradua- tion they need.”
tion, but for what comes after,” Smith said. “With Kuder, According to Smith, the system also provides as-
we can help determine what a student is best suited sistance to students who think they’ve already laid out
for.” a career plan for themselves.
Kuder, which has been established as a transition “Students can revisit the system over and over
tool at Springdale, Springdale-Har-Ber, Pine Bluff-Dol- again,” Smith said. “In today’s world, there are fewer
larway, Little Rock-McClellan, Earle and West Memphis and fewer kids with long-term career goals. For those
High Schools, can track a student’s paid and unpaid with goals that may be unrealistic or outside a student’s
work history, establish resumé information, organize skill set, it provides a Plan B. The biggest goal we have
scholarship opportunities, provide basic workplace is helping kids find what they want to do.”
skills and help show careers in which a student will Smith says on top of the counselors who have al-
ready received training – Hansford, Sheila Johnson
Transition Counseling Team (Dollarway), Carolyn Turner (McClellan) and Kimberly
Clark (Earle, West Memphis) – she is requesting that
the state’s remaining transition counselors be involved
in the next Kuder training when it is made available.
Smith says school superintendents have already
shown positive interest in the program, but she’s also
trying to sell Kuder to the business and faith-based
communities as a way to secure workplace opportu-
nities for students. Her goal is to see that at least 10
Carolyn Turner Eddie Hansford students in Kuder communities have work experience
by next year.
“Pastors and churches are a good place to start
because they offer several paid and unpaid work op-
portunities,” Smith said. “As word gets out, more and
more people are seeking information about Kuder.”
To learn more about the Department of Workforce
Education’s Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Divi-
sion’s Arkansas Transition Program, call 501-296-1600
or 800-330-0632 or visit our website at
Kimberly Clark Sheila Johnson
www.arsinfo.org.
page 5
Arkansas Youth Apprenticeship Program
Prepares Students for Skilled Trade Occupations
igh school students seek- work in a chosen occupational clus- head start. With that said, it is not
H ing a hands-on approach to
learning a trade are getting
just that through the Department
ter and eventually earn a certificate
and/or journeyman license in addi-
tion to a high school diploma.
for your ‘D’ and ‘F’ students. Those
accepted must attend school regu-
larly and have a good GPA. They
of Workforce Education’s Arkansas “Not all students are college- are interviewed to see if they are
Youth Apprenticeship program. bound, and the Youth Apprentice- good students,” Bibb added.
Beginning at age 16, students ship Program gives students the There are more than 800 ap-
are eligible to enter the program be- opportunity to learn a skilled trade,” prenticeable occupations. A large
fore entering the 11th grade. They said Sandra Porter, Arkansas De- percentage of participants are
must have a career plan and agree partment of Workforce Education plumbers and construction work-
to a three- to five-year apprentice- Associate Director for Workforce ers, but opportunities are constantly
ship allowing them to experience Training. expanding into new fields such as
Like the Adult Apprenticeship health services, energy, and textile
Program, the youth program is a occupations. The beginning wages
structured training system designed for apprentices are approximate-
to prepare students for occupa- ly 50 percent of those earned by
tions in skilled trades and crafts. skilled workers, but are increased
Apprenticeship combines related periodically as progress is made.
classroom instruction with on-the- “The interesting thing about
job training under the supervision of apprenticeship is that you are em-
experienced workers. ployed first,” Bibb said. “Anyone
“There are youth apprentice- in the program is employed and
ship programs that have been very there is a contractual agreement
beneficial in getting apprentice- between the applicant and contrac-
ships a head start,” Department of tor to maintain employment within a
Workforce Education Apprentice- specification of the agreement.”
ship Program Manager Jonathan For additional information on the
Bibb said. “Youth apprentices get apprenticeship program, contact
recruited in the 10th grade and start Jonathan Bibb at 501-682-1512 or
working in the 11th and 12th grade. email at jonathan.bibb@arkansas.
They must be 16 years old, though, gov.
before they can work at a job site.
“It gives an opportunity for those
who may not be college-bound, but
want to get in the trades to get a
page 6
Small Business Enterprise Program
Robert Rubenstein, Small Business Consultant
imes are changing and people with disabilities 3. Specialist report (if applicable)
T are moving with the times. The Department of
Workforce Education’s Arkansas Rehabilitation
Services Division’s Small Business Program (SBP) is
4. Psychological/Vocational Evaluation (RIDAC) if
applicable
5. Financial Resources Sheet
excited about the opportunity to promote independence 6. Completed “Small Business Plan – Simple For-
for persons with disabilities as entrepreneurs. mat”
The decision to pursue self-employment is not for
everyone, but for those with an entrepreneurial spirit it A successful small business will require:
can be a rewarding choice. Many Arkansas Rehabilita- A practical plan with a solid foundation
tion Services Division clients are seeking employment Dedication and a willingness to sacrifice
objectives that allow flexibility in work schedules, ca- Technical Skills
reer choices, and provide adequate financial reward. Basic knowledge of management, finance, re-
Self-employment may provide a realistic employment cord keeping and marketing
alternative for those individuals. The role of the Small The “Small Business Plan – Simple Format” is used
Business Program is to assist the counselor in as a tool to assist in the evaluation of the viability of a
evaluating the client’s decision to pursue self-em- proposed business. This information along with the ob-
ployment as a viable vocational objective. jective review of requested case materials provides the
Often times a client may want to start a business information needed to complete a “Small Business As-
without having completed adequate research. The Ar- sessment.” After review of the case materials and the
kansas Small Business Development Center provides “Small Business Plan-Simple Format,” reports are then
workshops to individuals who have expressed an in- forwarded to the rehabilitation counselor. The coun-
terest in starting their own business. (These centers selor and their district manager will make a decision re-
are located throughout the state.) These workshops garding whether or not to fund the proposed business.
explain the reality of what it takes to operate a small The Small Business Program can provide a realistic
business. The workshop topics include development of vocational goal for the client with entrepreneurial pur-
a business plan, financial resources and bookkeeping. suits. Careful planning, thorough evaluation, and sup-
Feasibility Planning is an integral part of evaluating port can help clients achieve this goal.
a business idea. The client will need to assess the fea- All past referrals are appreciated and the program
sibility of his/her business proposal. A good feasibility looks forward to the opportunity to assist ARS clients
evaluation involves a detailed examination of financial, with their entrepreneurial pursuits. Information con-
personal, and market realities. The feasibility assess- cerning resources for training is available through the
ment serves as an objective appraisal of the possibilities Arkansas Small Business Development Centers, Busi-
and potential barriers for the business and, ultimately, ness Financing, Plan Development, Technical Assis-
the client’s ability to achieve the vocational goal. tance and other self-employment strategies.
At this juncture, clients are asked to provide copies For additional information, contact Robert “Bob”
of the following: B. Rubenstein, M.R.C. L.P.C., at (870) 972-0025, or
1. DRS-4 Application Form email at robert.rubenstein@arkansas.gov.
2. General Medical Evaluation
page 7
BOARD continued from page 1
society by assisting Purcell said that finding ways for
them with meaning- more Arkansans to get a college
ful career training, education, or live the “American
technical education dream,” is the goal of the Depart-
and adult education ment of Higher Education.
for the 21st century.” “We are making progress with
Dr. James said BOARD continued on page 8
Arkansas is facing
three major chal-
lenges in education.
“We have to cre-
ate smooth transi-
tions from pre-K to
Governor Beebe and SBWECO Chairman Jack Justus visit elementary, middle
to discuss education issues prior to state board meeting.
grades to high school,
tant and actually cohesive from the and high school to col-
standpoint of the total overall pic- lege and careers,” Dr. James said.
ture of responsibility in education, to “We have to close the achieve-
come together and share thoughts ment gaps in racial/ethnic groups
with each other,” Beebe said. “I and gender, in urban/suburban
commend the boards for working locations and in income. And we DWE Director Bill Walker briefs Gov. Beebe
together to coordinate where we go have to align education systems prior to the joint education board meeting
as a people with a common thread in curricula and assessments, in at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.
and a common theme.” school and college data and in
Each of the three department accountability to the public.”
directors – DWE Director William During his presentation, Dr.
L. “Bill” Walker, Jr., Department of
Education Commissioner Dr. Ken
James and Department of Higher
Education Director Dr. Jim Purcell
– gave presentations.
Director Walker said, “In to-
day’s global economy, it is more
crucial than ever to focus the
John Wright, Arkansas Rehabilitation
state’s resources on preparing Services Division Chief Financial Officer
our students to make sure they and Ken Musteen, ARS Chief of Field
get the best education and ca- Services greet Gov. Beebe.
reer and technical training that
Gov. Beebe receives Jobs for America’s
will result in a great career and an Graduates (JAG) 5-of-5 Award from JAG
even greater quality of life. I am national president Ken Smith.
convinced that with the continued
leadership of Gov. Beebe, in part-
nership with the state Legislature,
our state will invest more in work-
force education so that our citizens
can enjoy greater prosperity, health,
wealth and wellness.
“Through strong leadership and
vision, our agency continues to pro-
mote every avenue and opportunity SBWECO members Martha Dixon and
to raise the bar for those who strive SBWECO board members prepare for Richard Smith chat following board meet-
to take their rightful place in our joint education board meeting. ing on November 3rd.
page 8
he Arkansas Department of Workforce Education (DWE)
T awarded a $50,000 grant to Arkansas Baptist College (ABC)
in Little Rock for the creation of programs at the school’s Lit-
eracy and Writing Center. State Senator Irma Hunter Brown
of Little Rock joined DWE Director Bill Walker to present the grant
to Arkansas Baptist president Dr. Fitz Hill on November 8 at the
Delta Classic 4 Literacy football game at Little Rock’s War Memo-
rial Stadium.
The Arkansas Baptist College Writing and Literacy Center
aids students by providing individualized assistance to those who
need help achieving success in the remedial coursework meant
to prepare them for college courses and by making additional as-
State Senator Irma Hunter Brown of Little Rock sistance available to those seeking to improve their reading and
and DWE Director Bill Walker present a check to writing skills. The Center further provides training to students as
Arkansas Baptist College President Dr. Fitz Hill
at the Delta Classic 4 Literacy football game at
peer counselors.
War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Writing and Literacy Center will expand its services by im-
plementing an online writing lab for students and community mem-
bers who want help, but may be unable to utilize its services during regular business hours. Center administrators
say the lab will build a community of writers and peer consultants by emphasizing collaboration, independence and
interdependence while providing guidance to clients for long-term reading and writing improvement.
“It’s an honor to award these funds to Dr. Hill and to Arkansas Baptist College because of how much it will
accomplish,” said Director Walker. “The funds will help more students earn a college degree, it will give the peer
counseling students a head start as they enter the workforce and it will benefit the community by increasing literacy
rates among individual members. All of this combined will help prepare everyone involved for careers in the high-
skill, high-wage, high-demand workforce of the 21st century. Ultimately, that is the goal of the Arkansas Department
of Workforce Education.”
BOARD continued from page 7
regard to growth in associate’s and of Arkansas’s Jobs for Arkansas’s the State Board of Workforce Edu-
bachelor’s degree areas,” Dr. Pur- Graduates (JAG) program and pre- cation and Career Opportunities
cell said. “What will we get for it? We sented a special honor to Gov. Bee- (SBWECO) held its regular meeting
will get greater volunteer activity in be recognizing the state’s achieve- and approved program policies for
our communities, blood donations ment of JAG’s highest honor – 5 of Adult Education.
will be better, we’ll have better so- 5 Award status. DWE Deputy Director for Adult
cial systems, someone will be less “We are so impressed with what Education Jim Smith recommended
likely to be convicted of a crime, un- is happening in Arkansas,” Smith that the board approve the new and
employment rates will decline and said. “Arkansas is among the lead- revised policies dealing with the op-
income will go up per families. Ar- ers, not only in the terms of suc- eration of local adult education pro-
kansas’s greatest generation is at cess, but also innovation.” grams. The policies were updated
the schoolhouse door waiting for Dr. Bottoms talked about the to comply with the requirements of
the opportunity to propel Arkansas importance of graduating more the Workforce Investment Act and
into the global economy.” students and what it takes to have the administrative procedures of
Other guests and speakers in- them graduate and be prepared for the Department of Workforce Edu-
cluded Jobs for America’s Gradu- college. cation.
ates president Ken Smith and “We have to look at how we can Other board meeting topics in-
Southern Regional Education Board strengthen guidance and advise- cluded a report from Director Walk-
senior vice-president Dr. Gene Bot- ment given to students and par- er and a budget update from Char-
toms. ents,” he said. lie Brown, DWE Deputy Director for
Smith discussed the success Following the joint meeting, Finance.
page 9
Former Tyson CEO Credits FFA roots for Career Success
he man who helped build
T
mer and current Tyson leaders. “It’s been fascinating to watch
a small Northwest Arkan- The book was officially released the role of FFA evolve over the
sas chicken processing during a reception in Springdale in years,” said DWE Director Bill
company into the world’s largest September. More than 50 Tyson Walker. “Mr. Tyson attributing the
meat producer credits the les- employees, FFA officials, Arkansas foundation of his success as a
sons learned as an FFA mem- Department of Workforce Education world leader in agri-business to
ber as the foundation for his FFA is certainly a testament to
company’s leadership. the type of training students re-
Don Tyson, former CEO and ceive as members of a Career
chairman of Springdale-based and Technical student organiza-
Tyson Foods, and son of com- tion.
pany founder John Tyson, said “From its original purpose
the national FFA organization, of preparing young men and
then known as Future Farmers women for a life as our nation’s
of America, provided the intro- farmers to its function today in
duction to production agriculture developing students for compe-
he later applied in his company. Don Tyson talks with FFA members tent and assertive agricultural
It’s the inspiration, leadership at his September book release re- leadership, FFA continues to pro-
and desire he got from FFA that ception in Springdale duce students who play a pivotal
led him to honor the organiza- role in our nation’s agricultural
tion in his recent book, “I Refuse staff including Agricultural Science economy. Arkansas is among
to Have a Bad Day.” The book and Technology Program Manager our country’s leading agricultural
features a collection of research- Marion Fletcher, and FFA students producers and it’s crucial that
based stories and information that from Springdale and Har-Ber High FFA remains strong in our state,”
identify the leadership qualities of Schools attended the event. Walker added.
Don Tyson, along with other for-
Arkansas SkillsUSA holds 2008 Fall Leadership Conference
Oct. 28-29 at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
rkansas SkillsUSA held its 2008 Fall Leadership Conference Oct. 28-29 at the
A University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
During the conference, 426 secondary students and 66 advisors representing 29 Arkansas schools
had the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. Individual participants were assigned to
clubs and partnered with students from different chapters or schools for competitive events. This arrangement
was established to provide the students a unique setting to step out of their comfort zones and learn how to be
team leaders and motivators.
“Emphasis was placed on a number of leadership contests,” said state SkillsUSA advisor and Department
of Workforce Education Skilled and Technical Sciences Program Manager Dick Burchett. “These competitions
provide focused training in each area and help each and every student involved strengthen their leadership
skills.”
The contests covered Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Chapter Business Procedure, Extemporaneous
Speaking, Prepared Speech, Job Interview, Quiz Bowl, Customer Service and Teamwork Lego Model Build-
ing.
The conference wasn’t all-work and no-play for the participants. The Arkansas Army National Guard hosted
a cookout that featured games and music. Instructors from Pulaski Technical College and the University of Ar-
kansas at Fort Smith were also on hand for college information sessions which offered students an overview of
each career area and an opportunity to have their questions about post-secondary education answered.
page 10
DWE participates in Gov. Beebe’s
“Arkansas Works” 2008 Summit
rkansas Department of Work-
A
sentation, Gov. Beebe addressed strong economy at home. All these
force Education (DWE) Di- the crowd to share his concerns things help, but above all, what you
rector Bill Walker was one on Arkansas’s future in the global need is smart people who can use
of five state agency directors fea- economy. existing technology to innovate new
tured in a video presentation during “Arkansas’s workforce isn’t fully technology. This is where Arkansas
Gov. Mike Beebe’s 2008 Arkansas equipped to compete in the 21st- can shine.”
Works Summit in October. century economy, and we must all Director Walker said the De-
This unprecedented meeting in work to change that, and we must partment of Workforce Education
Little Rock brought together over start now,” Gov. Beebe said during is already hard at work helping to
1400 community leaders, educa- his address. “If we don’t, our chil- fill Gov. Beebe’s vision of producing
tors and business executives from dren and our children’s children will a well-educated and well-trained
each of the state’s 75 counties to struggle against a tide of poverty in workforce via the DWE “Arkansas
reaffirm Arkansas’s commitment a world that will have left them be- Promise.”
to train and educate an adaptable hind,” Beebe said. “That danger is “This conference was a great
workforce capable of competing for real; it is not inevitable. example of Gov. Beebe’s vision
the knowledge-based jobs driving “In a global economy ruled by and leadership in bringing together
the new, global economy. knowledge and ideas, you don’t a cross section of community lead-
In the video, Director Walker need a big workforce, an enormous ers from all across this state to be-
discussed the Department of Work- amount of time or a major influx gin a dialogue of how we can work
force Education’s role in helping of investment capital to create a together to improve the vast eco-
build the state’s workforce. nomic conditions we are all
He explained how the agen- faced with,” Director Walker
cy’s three divisions – Career said. “The governor’s mes-
and Technical Education, sage of economic devel-
Adult Education and Arkan- opment and education be-
sas Rehabilitation Services ing tied hand in hand was
– work to aid students and more clear than ever and
adults in getting the educa- our agency is raising the
tion and training they need to bar and doing all possible
land high-skill, high-demand, to prepare our state’s work-
high-wage jobs. force for the careers of the
Following the video pre- future.”
(top) Governor Beebe speaks to community leaders from around Arkansas; (above left) DWE Associate Director of Career and Technical Education
Rod Duckworth, DWE Deputy Director of Career and Technical Education John Davidson, Executive Director of Magnolia Economic Development
Corporation Toby Stephens, DWE Director Walker, and DWE Associate Director for Workforce Training Sandra Porter discuss summit topics during
a break; (above right) DWE Program Manager for Apprenticeship & Construction Training Jonathan Bibb, DWE Public School Program Advisor for
Adult Education Paige Cox, and ARS’ Arkansas Career Training Institute Supervisor of Admissions Cornelious Hollinshed answer questions at the
agency’s display booth.
page 11
Senior Management Team
Ken Musteen
Chief of Field Services/
Associate Director for
Arkansas Rehabilitation
Services Division
Update
Arkansas Department of
Workforce Education
ne of the results of the De- District III, which serves Pine Bluff, Congratulations and thank
O partment of Workforce
Education’s Arkansas Re-
habilitation Services Division’s
Helena and Monticello, came in
a close second finding success-
ful employment in the cases of
you to each and every district man-
ager, counselor and support staffer
from across the state for their out-
(ARS) mission of providing services 408 individuals. standing efforts. Because of their
to individuals with disabilities lead- service, over 2,000 Arkansans
ing to opportunities for gainful em- District IV, which is comprised of have achieved their dreams of
ployment is our annual report which El Dorado and Texarkana, had becoming productive and inde-
lists the numbers of successful clo- 371 successful closures. This pendent participants and are
sures for each year. This report is remarkable considering that now active members of the work-
serves not only as a measure for over the last two years the dis- force.
evaluating ARS’ progress in achiev- trict experienced the retirement
ing one of our federal standards and of one long-time counselor and The top five counselors for
indicators, but it also provides an the passing of another. this year were:
opportunity for saying “well done” to Herb Pierce of Pine Bluff with
all of those who have done an out- District II, which consists of Bates- 94 successful closures, Freddie
standing job for the year. ville, Jonesboro and West Mem- Smith of Texarkana with 75, Amy
According the data on hand, phis, successfully helped 362 Jones of Fayetteville with 67,
2,447 individuals successfully individuals find employment. Dwight Campbell of Booneville,
completed rehabilitation services 60, and Janna Clemmons of Lo-
programs and became gainfully District V-N, which serves Lonoke, noke with 58 closures.
employed in 2008. This exceeds Russellville, Conway and North Congratulations and well
last year’s number of successful Little Rock, successfully closed done to these counselors and the
closures. As is the case each year, 341 cases. support staff.
ARS is pleased to acknowledge the
various districts and the outstand- District I-N, which serves Fayette-
ing counselors for the year. ville and Harrison, ended the Although pro-
The numbers which also include year with 339 successful clo- duction numbers
post-employment cases are as fol- sures. are an important part of our re-
lows: porting process, it’s also important
Rounding out the numbers was to acknowledge and express the
The top district for 2008 was District I-S, which serves Boone- great pleasures of seeing the work
District V-S, which comprises the ville and Fort Smith. of our staff in the customer service
Hot Springs, Benton and Little arena. This is particularly difficult to
Rock offices. This district suc- tangibly measure because the ma-
cessfully closed 429 cas- The district success- jority of customers we serve rarely
es of individuals into fully closed 256 cases as em- express their thanks in writing.
employment. ployed. It must be noted that this Their gratitude and appreciation is
district also suffered the tragic usually evident in the smiles of sat-
loss of a counselor during this
SMT continued on page 12
year.
page 12
SMT continued from page 11
What is the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)?
isfaction and glow of achievement
on their faces. However, once in
rkansas’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is sanctioned
a great while, the staff is fortunate
enough to receive written confirma-
tion of their dedication and service.
A by Section 105 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to “give
advice and work in partnership with the Vocational Rehabilita-
tion (VR) agency/unit.” In Arkansas, this unit is the Department of Work-
Below is an excerpt of a letter
ARS received regarding counselor force Education’s Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division.
Tameca Jackson of West Memphis.
It’s an example of what occurs ev- The members of the Council are appointed by the governor and serve
ery day in each field office, at the three-year terms, not to exceed more than two consecutive terms. The
Arkansas Career Training Institute 15-member Council must represent the following:
and every other program in ARS. Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC);
Parent Training and Information Center established under the
Dear Tameca, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
We love you. It is just that Client Assistance Program (CAP);
simple and absolutely true. From A VR counselor who, if employed by the VR agency, is an ex-
the first visit to the last time we officio, non-voting member;
met with you, we have always Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP);
felt positive and that everything
Four business, industry, and labor representatives;
was going to be okay. I didn’t
Representatives from disability advocacy groups which include
know how to start this letter, so
individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabili-
I thought I would just say how I
ties, and representatives of individuals with disabilities who have
feel about you. Cathie and Terry
difficulty representing themselves or are unable due to their dis-
feel the same way I do, and even
abilities to represent themselves;
though our mother hasn’t met
you, she loves you too. Current or former VR applicants or recipients;
You have always been American Indian VR program (if the state has one);
straight up and professional but, State educational agency responsible for the public education of
you show you care too, and not students disabilities;
everyone has the ability to do State Workforce Investment Board; and
both. I really appreciated your Director of the designated State VR unit, also ex-officio and non-
kindness when I called. You had voting.
to be too busy, but you never The majority of the SRC members must be individuals with disabilities
let me know it or showed impa- and not employed by the designated state VR agency.
tience.
I can’t imagine anyone doing
SRC Functions
a better job than you’ve done. We
Following consultation with the State Workforce Investment Board, the
couldn’t have asked for anything
State Rehabilitation Council is required to:
more and we will be happy to tell
the world. Review, analyze, and advise the VR agency regarding their per-
formance related to the topics of:
Once again, thanks to everyone Eligibility, including order of selection;
at ARS. This letter and each case Extent, scope and effectiveness of the VR services;
closed sums up what the Arkansas Functions performed by State agencies that affect the
Rehabilitation Services Division is ability of individuals with disabilities to achieve an em-
all about. ployment outcome.
SRC continued on page 13
page 13
SRC continued from page 12
In partnership with the VR agency: In turn, the state VR agency is required by the
Develop, agree to and review state Act to work with the SRC on annual state goals
goals and priorities, and priorities in order to submit an annual report of
Evaluate the effectiveness of the pro- progress, to consult regularly with SRC on all phases
gram and submit annual progress re- of policies and procedures of general applicability
ports to the Rehabilitation Services pertaining to VR services, and to aid in conducting
Administration (RSA) Commissioner, a statewide needs assessment report every three
and years. In addition, the agency is required to transmit
Conduct a statewide needs assess- copies to the SRC of all plans and reports sent to
ment every three years of individuals RSA, all policies and information used by rehabilita-
with disabilities living in the state. tion personnel to carry out the VR program, and all
Advise the VR agency regarding VR activi- due process hearing decisions.
ties.
Assist in the preparation of the State Plan, SRC meetings must be held at least four times a year
amendments to the plan, applications, re- and publicly announced, and be open and accessible
ports, needs assessments, and evaluations. to the public (unless there is a valid reason for an
Review and analyze the effectiveness of and executive session).
the consumer satisfaction with:
VR agency functions, SRC Members
VR services provided by the VR agen-
The Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council currently
cy and other entities, and
has 19 members. They are Gregg Lawrence, Bronw-
Employment outcomes achieved by
yn Palmer, Ruth Pellow, Kyle Sharp, Mike McCreight,
eligible individuals served by VR.
Lynn Carver, Travis Beebe, Bean Murray, Eric Treat,
Prepare and submit an annual report to the Freddie Smith, Staci Croom Raley, Eddie Miller, Di-
Governor and RSA on the status of VR ser- anna Varady, and Mary McClain. Representing the
vices. This report will be made available to Governor’s office is Sarah Agee, and from Arkansas
the public. Rehabilitation Services Division administrative offic-
Coordinate the activities of the SRC with the es are Ken Musteen, Chief of Field Services, Randy
activities of other coundils, such as the SILC, Parker, Interim Associate Director of Program, Plan-
IDEA advisory panel, and the State Workforce ning, Development & Evaluation, Commissioner Rob-
Investment Board. ert Treviño, and Brooke Crain.
Provide for the coordination and the estab-
lishment of working relations between the VR For more information on the State Rehabilitation
agency and the SILC, and Council, contact ARS Chief of Field Services Ken
Perform other functions that it determines ap- Musteen at 1616 Brookwood, Little Rock, AR, 72202
propriate and comparable to its other func- or e-mail at ken.musteen@arkansas.gov.
tions and is consistent with the purposes of
Title I of the Act and its regulations.
Through our jobs we help to fulfill the needs of our students, clients and customers.
As the Season of Giving is upon us, let us not forget others in our communities who would also
greatly benefit from our contributions...of time, money, or companionship. We CAN make a difference.
page 14
Department of Workforce Education
co-sponsors AWIB Conference in Little Rock
pproximately 2,000 people vices Director Artee Williams each
A from across the state gath-
ered in Little Rock October
29-30 for the Arkansas Workforce
stressed the importance of fulfilling
Gov. Beebe’s goals of achieving a
strong, vibrant, well trained and well
Investment Board’s 2008 Workforce educated workforce in the state.
Conference. “Above all, the Governor’s
Themed “Charting the Course: Charting the Course: Workforce Cabinet all strive to-
Navigating Education, Employ- Navigating Education, Employ- ward achieving Gov. Beebe’s goal
ment and Economic Develop- ment and Economic Development of making education services in Ar-
ment,” the event featured messag- kansas the best in the nation, pre-
es from Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe paring our state’s citizens for the
and various state agency directors, high-wage, high-demand and high-
including Arkansas Department of skill careers of the 21st century and
Workforce Education Director Bill making Arkansas the world’s most
Walker. Participants also heard attractive place to start and locate a
from an array of guest speakers business,” Director Walker said. “By
and attended breakout sessions our agencies working together, we
and workshops to gain ideas on will make sure Gov. Beebe’s vision
how to help strengthen the state’s becomes a reality and that, once re-
Ken Ferguson, Executive Director of AWIB,
workforce. DWE Director Walker, President of the
alized, Arkansas will be the envy of
Keynote speakers included Nor- Arkansas AFL-CIO Alan Hughes and Gover- both the nation and the world.”
ma Noble, Oklahoma Deputy Sec- nor Beebe. Kenneth B. Ferguson, Executive
retary of Commerce for Workforce Director of the Arkansas Workforce
Development, Joseph Carbone of Investment Board emphasized the
The WorkPlace, Inc., an innovative important roles each agency has
workforce development board in to help properly educate the state’s
Connecticut, J. Michael Norton from citizens, train them properly, and
the Northwest Arkansas Economic help draw the needed jobs to the
Development District, Inc., Maria state.
Weidmark from the U.S. Depart- “Arkansas is home to a vibrant
ment of Labor and Toyce Newton, and talented workforce,” Fergu-
Director Walker, DWE Deputy Director of
Executive Director and founder of Adult Education Jim Smith, ARS Commis-
son said. “We have citizens who
the Phoenix (Ariz.) Youth and Fam- sioner Bob Treviño, DWE Deputy Director are anxiously awaiting the oppor-
ily Services, Inc. of Communications Reginald Jackson, and tunity to learn new skills, increase
Associate Director of Career and Technical
“Only when we know that all Education Rod Duckworth
their current knowledge base, and
Arkansans have the opportunity demonstrate to their employer or
to live up to their full potential and potential employer that they can
make their own unique contribu- perform and exceed expectations.
tions to society can we truly say we Their desires create the demand
are prepared for the challenges of for organizations such as the Work-
the future,” Beebe said during his force Investment Board to provide
address at the opening session of job training, educational assistance
the conference. and employer assistance.”
Director Walker, Department of The conference was sponsored
Higher Education Director Dr. Jim by the Arkansas Department of
Purcell, Department of Economic Workforce Education, the Depart-
Development Director Maria Haley, Director Walker with Ken Ferguson, Ex- ment of Workforce Services and
and Department of Workforce Ser- ecutive Director of the AWIB Pulaski Technical College.
page 15
Secondary Career Centers
important for Economic Development in Arkansas Communities
ore than 8,000 students are advantage of the concurrent credit programs.
M currently enrolled in second-
ary area technical centers
across the state, and that number
where they get high school credit
and college credit at the same time
through these area center cours-
There are currently 24 area
centers in the state that service 177
high schools. During the 2006-2007
is growing thanks to Governor Mike es.” school year, 8,192 students were
Beebe’s constant push to bring in Sponsored by high schools, enrolled and 3,607 students earned
new jobs and companies to Arkan- education service cooperatives and 24,620 credit hours through the
sas. two-year colleges, secondary area college-based technical centers,
“The centers are becoming technical centers offer career and representing a tuition value of $1.7
more and more popular,” said San- technical education programs to million.
dra Porter, Arkansas Department of high school students within a 25- “These centers provide pro-
Workforce Education Associate Di- mile radius. Area centers offer pro- grams that schools can’t afford to
rector of Workforce Training. “More grams that are typically too expen- offer, but are very important for the
and more high school students are sive to maintain at a high school. economic development of each
leaving high school trained and Many smaller schools cannot afford community,” Porter said. “Each
ready to go to work right away and to offer these programs, thereby center offers programs and courses
more students every day are taking limiting students’ access to certain aimed to help train students based
on what industries are in a certain
area, so the students are getting
Secondary Area Technical Centers the training they need to help them
Service Areas Existing Centers get a high-skilled job in their com-
munity.”
Based on each community’s
Boone Marion Baxter Fulton Randolph Clay
Benton Carroll ever-changing industry needs, the
Harrison
centers are constantly updating
Izard Sharp Greene
Washington Madison Searcy Lawrence curriculum.
Fayetteville Newton
Leslie Stone Craighead One example of a center serv-
Independence Blytheville
Jonesboro Mississippi ing an array of students is the Met-
Crawford Jackson
Franklin Johnson Pope Van Buren Cleburne
Heber Springs
Poinsett ropolitan Career-Technical Center
Quitman in Little Rock. Serving students
Russellville Conway Cross
Sebastian Morrilton Faulkner White
Bald Knob Crittenden in schools from the Cabot School
Logan Vilonia
Fort Smith
Conway Woodruff
W. Memphis District, Little Rock School District,
St. Francis
Yell
Perry Prairie Forrest City
Pulaski County Special School Dis-
Scott
Pulaski Lonoke Lee trict, North Little Rock School Dis-
Waldron Saline N. Little Rock
Garland
Bauxite trict and schools in Saline County,
Polk Montgomery Monroe
Phillips Metropolitan offers courses in 13
Hot Springs Helena
Mena Grant Jefferson Arkansas areas, including advertising design,
Hot Spring Stuttgart
Howard Pike Malvern auto body, welding, aviation tech-
Clark Pine Bluff
Sevier Nashville
Arkadelphia Dallas nology, culinary arts, cosmetology,
Cleveland Lincoln DeWitt
Fordyce
Desha
law enforcement and radio broad-
DeQueen
casting.
Little River Hempstead Ouachita Drew
Nevada
Calhoun
Bradley
Monticello
“What these centers are offer-
Miller Camden ing is an extension of their school,”
Warren
Columbia Union Ashley said Department of Workforce Edu-
Chicot
Texarkana
Magnolia cation Director Bill Walker. “More
El Dorado
Lafayette and more students are discovering
how positive these centers are and
College Based Satellite Locations how they can help prepare them for
High School Based Satellite Locations higher education and good jobs.”
page 16
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Honored
during National Disability Employment Awareness Month
everal events were celebrated “Wal-Mart embraces the con-
S in October as the Department
of Workforce Education’s Ar-
kansas Rehabilitation Services Di-
cept of diversity to include more
than age, race and gender,” said
Chandler during the brief presenta-
vision joined with other groups and tion ceremony. “They include peo-
agencies to recognize October as ple with disabilities in their definition
National Disability Employment and they back that up with the num-
Awareness Month. ber of people with disabilities they
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. was hon- have on their team, not just in this
ored on National Disability Men- one store, but system-wide.”
toring Day, October 15, for the hir- Shane Scott, a student at Arkan-
ing of people with disabilities as a sas Career Training Institute in Hot
major portion of their Diversity and Springs studying sales and market-
Inclusion program. ARS Commis- ing, came to the Wal-Mart Hwy 10
sioner Robert Treviño was joined by West store to spend a part of the
Ken Musteen, Chief of Field Servic- day in the mentoring program. Wal-
es, and Rodney Chandler, District Mart associates Laquetta Harris,
Business Relations Manager, to Shelli Donnely and Benjie Baker Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Commissioner Robert Treviño
recognize the management of Wal- spent time with Scott, showing him
Mart’s Hwy 10 West/Cantrell Road first hand the Wal-Mart retail phi-
store in Little Rock. Representing losophy. Scott was accompanied with Disabilities, was pleased with
the store was co-manager Steve by his ACTI business instructor, this year’s Little Rock event.
Holmes. Jacob Bryant. ACTI students Jer- “Disability Mentoring Day was
Commissioner Treviño present- emy Johnson and Michael Goshen accepted surprisingly better than
ed Holmes with a proclamation from spent part of their mentoring day we anticipated,” said Boyle. “Next
Governor Mike Beebe that honored behind the scenes learning about year, we would like to see twice as
all Wal-Mart stores for the compa- the goings on at the Wal-Mart store many students and business enti-
ny’s stand on diversity and its inclu- in Pine Bluff. ties involved.
sion of people with disabilities. The Little Rock city government “Along with the businesses that
hosted a half-dozen participated, I’d also like to thank
student mentees ARS’ Arkansas Transition Program
who observed ac- (ATP) director Judy Smith and the
tivities in Finance, ATP team of counselors for their in-
Human Resources, volvement in making the day a re-
Parks and Recre- markable success.”
ation, Public Works, Disability Mentoring Day, “Ca-
Inner-Governmen- reer Development for the 21st
tal Relations and at Century,” originated as a concept
the Little Rock Zoo. of the American Association of Peo-
Two day-care cen- ple with Disabilities. It promotes ca-
ters, Treehill Park reer development for students and
and Full Potential job-seekers with disabilities through
Child Development job shadowing and hands-on ca-
Center, also hosted reer exploration. With leadership,
(l-r): Steve Holmes, Co-Manager, Wal-Mart, Hwy 10/Cant-
rell location; Benji Baker and Laquetta Harris of Wal-Mart; students. coordination and resource materi-
Shane Scott, ACTI business and marketing student who Leonard Boyle, als from AAPD, local communities
spent part of October 15th being mentored by Wal-Mart Executive Direc- around the country organize their
stafff; Shelli Donnely of Wal-Mart; Jacob Bryant, ACTI tor of the Arkansas own activities to bring students and
Instructor, and Rodney Chandler, ARS District Business
Relations Manager Governor’s Com- employers together for information-
mission on People WAL-MART continued on page 17
page 17
GCPD’s Boyle named 2008 PTC Outstanding Alumnus
T
he Arkansas Rehabilitation Boyle says he’s been an advocate for
Services Division’s Arkansas those with disabilities since he first became
Governor’s Commission on disabled in 1992. Now he says serving as
People with Disabilities (GCPD) Ex- Executive Director of the Governor’s Com-
ecutive Director Leonard Boyle was mission for People with Disabilities and as
named Pulaski Technical College’s a liaison between state government and
2008 Outstanding Alumnus in Oc- Arkansans with disabilities is his perfect
tober at the Arkansas Association of job.
Two-Year Colleges state conference “Few people say they get to do a job
in Rogers. that they love to do and they want to do,”
Boyle enrolled at Pulaski Tech he says, “but I can.”
(PTC) in 1998, six years after acquir- Boyle’s GCPD position and his recog-
ing a disability resulting from a lower nition don’t mark the end of his education.
lumbar puncture and multiple sclero- Leonard Boyle He needs only six credits to complete his
sis that left him with partial use of his legs and in a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University
wheelchair. He called the decision to return to school of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and hopes to attend
“frightening.” the William H. Bowen School of Law at UALR.
According to him, PTC Learning Assistance Center “We are very proud of Leonard’s accomplishments
coordinator Rhonda Carroll and history teacher Johnny and for his selection as Pulaski Tech’s Outstanding
Dollar helped ease his transition. Alumnus,” said Department of Workforce Education Di-
“The developmental courses I took helped me learn rector Bill Walker. “This is a great honor for him and his
what college courses are all about and what I had to do hard work and commitment to our agency and in the
to make it through,” he said. community are pivotal to the success of the Governor’s
After completing his Associate of Arts degree in Commission on People with Disabilities.”
2001, Boyle completed internships at US Representa-
tive Vic Snyder’s office and worked on the campaigns
of Congressman Snyder and Gov. Mike Beebe. Who Is Philip McClain?
1 Student with a disability
WAL-MART continued from page 16
2 Russellville resident
al sessions about career opportunities and one-on-one
mentoring with volunteers at public and private places 3 GED graduate
of employment.
Disability Mentoring Day is officially commemo- 4 Recent Arkansas Tech
rated on the third Wednesday of every October and is University student
implemented in locations around the country and inter- All of the Above
nationally throughout the year. It is designed to ben-
efit from local creativity, with each community planning Learn how the GED tests can work for
activities to best suit the interests and abilities of its you. Contact the Department of Work-
students, job-seekers and local employers. force Education Adult Education/GED
division at 501-682-1980, or visit us at
DMD is an opportunity to underscore the connec- http://dwe.arkansas.gov.
tion between school and work, evaluate personal goals,
target career skills for improvement, explore possible
career paths, and develop lasting mentor relationships.
The program’s history shows that students’ and job
seekers’ participation in Disability Mentoring Day can
result in an internship opportunity with the host em- prove
Mature. Motivated.
ployer and function as a first interview on the way to a
And ready to prove it.
yourself
part-time or full-time employment offer or even a firm
on-the-spot job offer.
page 18
Department of Workforce Education
awards CTE grants around the state
he Arkansas Department Arkansas Department of project to meet industry re-
T of Workforce Education’s
Career and Technical Edu-
Community Correction,
$27,445, implementation of
quest
Phillips Community Col-
lege of the University
cation (CTE) division is currently a welding program for resi-
awarding grants to state second- dents to improve non-tradi- of Arkansas, Helena,
ary and post-secondary schools tional enrollments $25,000, creation of bio-fuel
and school districts in order to Arkansas School for the frameworks for secondary
meet the agency’s goals for Ca- Blind, $52,330, enhance- instruction
reer and Technical Education ment of CTE programs for Southwest Arkansas Edu-
and promote Gov. Mike Beebe’s students enrolled in CTE cation Cooperative, Hope,
vision for creating a more com- programs at residential $67,989, High-Skill, High-
petitive workforce in Arkansas. sites Wage, High-Demand Pro-
“Arkansas’s economic future Danville School District, gram Grant to develop a
relies on having a well-educated $2,895, purchase of adap- resource manual of instruc-
and capable workforce,” said tive equipment tional modules for construc-
Department of Workforce Edu- Dawson Education Ser- tion trade programs
cation Director William L. “Bill” vice Cooperative, Arkadel- Springdale School Dis-
Walker, Jr. “It’s incumbent upon phia, $11,000, professional trict, $75,000, High-Skill,
us to help our state’s schools development workshop High-Wage, High-Demand
train our students for the high- hosting for High Schools Program Grant to implement
skill, high-wage, high-demand That Work assessment and enhance an information
careers of tomorrow so that we workshop technology (IT) academy
can effectively compete in the Harrison School District, Wynne School District,
global economy of the 21st cen- $74,950, implementation of $4,300, purchase of adap-
tury.” a management and entre- tive equipment.
The following is a list of insti- preneurship program and “It is our goal at the Depart-
tutions and programs that have the addition of a school- ment of Workforce Education to
already received CTE grants: based enterprise react quickly to the needs of busi-
Arch Ford and W.D. Mills Mountain Home School ness and industry and to provide
Educational Coopera- District, $9,500, High-Skill, career and technical education
tives, Plumerville, $43,074, High-Wage, High-Demand services to all students” said
High-Skill, High-Wage, Program Grant to host John L. Davidson, DWE Deputy
High-Demand Program statewide Career Acad- Director for Career and Technical
Grant to implement a petro- emy Model training and to Education. “This is also the ex-
leum technology program send nine instructors to the pressed goal of Gov. Beebe and
Arkansas Career Train- National Career Academy Director Walker. These grants will
ing Institute, Hot Springs, Conference help to offer career and technical
$147,000, to raise exist- Paris School District, education classes to students in
ing career training program $19,845, planning grant to these districts and address the
standards to achieve nation- implement an advanced ever-changing needs of the local
al program accreditation manufacturing program workforce.”
page 19
Dates to Remember
January 9, 2009 February 6, 2009
Apprenticeship Arkansas Apprenticeship State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee,
Coordination Steering Committee: Steel IBEW Hall I-30 and University, Little Rock, AR
Workers Hall, 1315 West 2nd Street, Little February 9, 2009
Rock, AR State Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee,
Apprenticeship State Plumbing Apprentice- Local Plumber’s Training Hall, 4503 Hoffman
ship Committee, Local Plumber’s Training Rd. Little Rock, AR
Hall, 4503 Hoffman Rd. Little Rock, AR February 10, 2009
January 12, 2009 Dist.3 FCCLA Spring Meeting Valley View High
Opening Session for the Arkansas General School, Valley View, AR. 2/10/09
Assembly; State Capitol, Little Rock, AR Dist.4 FCCLA Spring Meeting UAPB, Pine
January 28, 2009 Bluff, AR
Business & Marketing Education - FBLA Dis- February 12, 2009
trict III Senior High Spring Conference; Pine Dist.2 FCCLA Spring Meeting Melbourne High
Bluff Convention Center, 500 E 8th Avenue, School, Melbourne,AR
Pine Bluff, AR March 2, 2009
Business & Marketing Education - FBLA Dis- Arkansas FCCLA Executive Council Luther
trict IV Senior High Spring Conference; Hot Hardin Building, LR, AR
Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention March 5, 2009
Boulevard, Hot Springs National Park, AR Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steer-
Business & Marketing Education - FBLA Dis- ing Committee, Steel Workers Hall, 1315
trict VI Senior High Spring Conference; Uni- West 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR
versity of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey State Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee,
Avenue, Conway, AR Local Plumber’s Training Hall, 4503 Hoffman
January 29, 2009 Rd. Little Rock, AR 3/5/09
Business & Marketing Education - FBLA Dis- March 6, 2009
trict II Senior High Spring Conference ASU FFA Southern District Electricity, Mechanics,
College of Business, 103 Cooley Drive, & Leadership Events, SAU Magnolia, AR
Jonesboro, AR State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee,
January, 30, 2009 IBEW Hall I-30 and University, Little Rock,
Arkansas FCCLA Executive Council Meeting AR
Luther Hardin Building, LR, AR March 12, 2009
January 30-31, 2009 FFA Eastern District Career Development
Arkansas FFA Winter Leadership Conference; Event ASU, Jonesboro, AR
Camp Counchdale, AR March 19, 2009
February 2, 2009 FFA Southern District Career Development
Business & Marketing Education - FBLA Dis- Events SAU Magnolia, AR
trict I Senior High Spring Conference, Fort March 26, 2009
Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th Street, FFA Northwest District Leadership Events,
Fort Smith, AR ATU Russellville, AR
February 5, 2009 March 31, 2009
Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steer- HOSA Spring Conference Hot Springs Con-
ing Committee, Steel Workers Hall, 1315 vention Center. Hot Springs, AR
West 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Department of Workforce Education
State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities
Jack Justus, Chairman, Searcy, AR; Phil Taylor, Vice Chairman, Jonesboro, AR; Richard Smith, Tillar, AR; Kathy
Scarsdale, Harrison, AR; Lucy Ralston, Fayetteville, AR; Martha Dixon, Arkadelphia, AR; Justin Mitchell, Little
Rock, AR
Administration
William L. “Bill” Walker, Jr., Director; Robert P. Treviño, Commissioner for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Division; John L. Davidson, Deputy Director for Career and Technical Education; James Smith, Deputy Director
for Adult Education; Charles Brown, Deputy Director for Finance; Reginald L. Jackson, Deputy Director for
Communications; Ken Musteen, Chief of Field Services/Associate Director for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Division; Barbara Lewis, Associate Director/ Administrator of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division’s Arkansas
Career Training Institute; Roderic Duckworth, Associate Director for Career and Techincal Education; Sandra
Porter, Associate Director for Workforce Training; John Wright, Chief Financial Officer/Associate Director for
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division; Jim Moreland, Associate Director for Special Programs for Arkansas
Rehabilitation Services Division; Pamela D. Harris, Human Resources Administrator
Arkansas Department Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division
of Workforce Education Central Office
Three Capitol Mall 1616 Brookwood Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1083 Little Rock, AR 72202
501-682-1500 501-296-1600 (V/TTY)
501-682-1509 fax 800-330-0632 (V/TTY)
http://dwe.arkansas.gov www.arsinfo.org
Arkansas Career Training Institute
501-624-4411
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Three Capitol Mall
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Little Rock, AR 72201-1083 PERMIT #171
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