The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Division of Career and Technical Education, is pleased to announce a series of regional professional learning opportunities focused on the implementation and expansion of high-quality Early Career Experiences in middle grades. These trainings will be held at each Education Service Cooperative across the state to provide school leaders and educators with the knowledge and resources necessary to strengthen career-connected learning opportunities for students.

Early Career Experiences play a vital role in preparing Arkansas students to become Success Ready Graduates by connecting classroom learning with meaningful career exploration and workforce experiences in their region. Through strong partnerships, schools can provide students with authentic opportunities that develop durable skills, strengthen career decision-making, and prepare students for enlistment, enrollment, and employment after graduation.

Intended Audience

Districts are encouraged to send a collaborative team of leaders involved in planning and implementing Early Career Experiences. Each campus can bring up to six (6) team members. Recommended participants include:

• Principals (Serving 6th-8th Grades)
• Career and Technical Education Administrators
• School Counselors
• Career Coaches
• Classroom Teachers
• Other district personnel supporting Success Ready Graduates

Why Attend

Participation in this training will help districts:

• Develop a shared understanding of Early Career Experiences and their role within Success Ready Graduates.
• Build local capacity to expand meaningful career-connected learning opportunities in their region.
• Strengthen partnerships with regional employers and workforce organizations.
• Access to professional development resources to assist in training school staff regarding Early Career Experiences.
• Grant Opportunity for Career Exploration Hands-on Learning Labs.

Attachments