(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Education/Workforce Development
Honorable Mention • 5,000-20,000
Population: 8,558 | Mayor: Don Still | County: Hempstead | Region: Southwest
The Challenge
The city of Hope recognized that students lacked awareness of the career opportunities throughout southwest Arkansas. As a result, local businesses faced difficulties recruiting skilled workers, and the region’s economy was stunted as talent left for other areas. Local leaders wanted to bridge the gap between students and local industries, encouraging young people to consider staying in their community and businesses to look at the opportunities they could provide to retain a qualified workforce.
The Solution
Launched in 2018, the city-sponsored Explore Success Career Expo connects 1,200 eighth-grade students annually with regional employers like Lockheed Martin, Tyson Foods and Amfuel. The expo offers hands-on career experiences and emphasizes employability skills, preparing students for local opportunities. The program has benefited over 7,000 students and continues to grow and add new learning opportunities for students and businesses.
The Explore Success Career Expo has received the National Association of Development Organizations Impact Award and recognition by the Arkansas Division for Career & Technical Education.
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