Academies of Central Arkansas: A Community-Connected Approach to Ensuring All Students Succeed

Central Arkansas students got a hands-on career experience at the 2025 Academies Career Expo. (Photo courtesy of the Little Rock Regional Chamber)

The Academies of Central Arkansas has officially been established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education and workforce development across Central Arkansas. The new foundation will strengthen partnerships between schools and employers, ensuring students gain real-world experience and career-ready skills before graduation.

In May, the Academies of Central Arkansas announced the launch of the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction at Mills University Studies High School. This innovative collaboration among Lexicon Inc., Pulaski County Special School District and Mills University Studies High School marks a significant milestone in expanding the Academies model across the region and preparing students for careers in their home communities.

Aerospace, manufacturing, steel production, logistics and medical were just some of the industries represented at the 2025 Academies Career Expo. (Photos provided by the Little Rock Chamber)

In November, the 2025 Academies Career Expo was held at the Statehouse Convention Center, giving thousands of local ninth-graders the chance to experience local career opportunities hands-on, meet with business professionals for career advice and network with local employers. The region’s top industries were represented, from construction and engineering to medical and manufacturing and more.

(Photo provided by the Little Rock Chamber)

Highlights from our 2024-2025 report include:

11,847 hours of time, talent and expertise contributed by our 94 academy business partners
$486,873 in donations of equipment, supplies and other necessary items to our schools from their academy partners
Total in-kind contributions from academy partners exceeding $1.1 million
A 280% increase in the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials
1,245 Advanced Placement exams with a score of 3 or higher, a 37.8% increase from last school year
894 students participating in paid internships, up 670% from last school year
3,058 college credits earned by high school students