ACT 237 of 2023 requires that public school districts offer at least one career and technical education (CTE) pathway that meets the state definition of High Demand and High Wage (H2). For the 2026-2027 school year there are 29 CTE pathways that meet the state definition of High Demand and High Wage.

Each CTE pathway has identified Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes that are aligned to course standards. When determining high demand and high wage we review Arkansas workforce data on the specified SOC codes to determine the demand and wage for a CTE pathway. The SOC alignment with each pathway can be found here.

High Demand Definition:  High Demand occupations have a 10-Year Forecast Total Demand greater than or equal to 0.4% of the current total employment in Arkansas. Given Arkansas’ current total employment of 1,417,361, High Demand occupations have a 10-Year Forecast Total Demand greater than or equal to 5,670 openings.

High Wage Definition: High Wage occupations have a median annual wage greater than or equal to the estimated baseline living wage in Arkansas. Given the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimated baseline living wage in Arkansas of $40,539.00, High Wage occupations have a median annual wage greater than or equal to $40,539.00.

The following CTE pathways meet the high demand and high wage definition:

For the 2026-2027 CTE Pathways information can be found here.

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