The Arkansas Department of Education, in partnership with Be Pro Be Proud, is excited to announce the upcoming Draft Day events for 2026.
Be Pro Be Proud is one-of-a-kind workforce initiative that through its Draft Day events, connects high school students directly with high-demand, high-wage technical professions across our state. This event gives all high school students the chance to explore career pathways they may not otherwise encounter and engage with employers who are actively recruiting skilled young talent.
For graduating Seniors, Draft Day matches them for scheduled interviews with employers—helping them move from the classroom to their future career upon graduation. Seniors also participate in a series of pre and post Draft Day sessions that build essential career readiness skills, such as resume development, interview preparation, and professional follow-up.
2025 Draft Day Locations & Dates:
Central Arkansas Draft Day – March 3, 2026
Northeast Arkansas Draft Day – March 18, 2025 at Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville
Golden Triangle Draft Day – March 31, 2025 at El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado
North Central Draft Day – April 2, 2025 at Arkansas State University Mountain Home, Mountain Home
Southeast Regional Draft Day – April 7, 2025 at Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff
We encourage your school to take advantage of this opportunity by your school to attend. Draft Day aligns with our mission to prepare every student for success after graduation and provides valuable exposure to careers that are vital to Arkansas’s future workforce.
How to Register:
Schools can register here.
Once the school is registered, they will receive a confirmation and then a series of emails with student recruitment information and a link for the students to start registering. The registration deadline for Schools is November 1st and for Interviewing Seniors it’s December 19th.
Thank you for supporting this initiative and for helping your students connect with opportunities that will shape their futures.