JobReady June Issue 2019

June


2019


A Publication of the Arkansas Department of Career Education









































































CTE Students Create Prosthetic Arm to Help

Boy Achieve His Dream of Riding His Bicycle

Our Mission: To prepare a job-ready, career-bound
workforce to meet the needs of Arkansas employers.



On the cover Table of Contents


Fayetteville High School
freshmen Bradshaw Cate and
Jane Ballinger help create a
prosthetic arm for Ben Kersh. The Community STEM Students Test
prosthetic arm helped Ben achieve Partnerships Help
his dream of riding his bicycle. 4 the Agriculture 5 Their Piloting Skills
More information about headline on Science Program During Drone Day
Page 6. Thrive in Newark Competition




CTE Students
A public information publication 7 Transition from 8 Students Graduate
Project SEARCH
®
Celebrate the
June 2019
Program and Enter
High School to
of the Arkansas Department of Beyond with CTE Workforce
Career Education. Signing Days
Director
Charisse Childers, Ph.D.

Communications Department
Chip McAfee,
Director of Communications
Kim Asther
Susan King Upcoming Events
Caty Young

June 20, 2019 June 25, 2019
[email protected]
Arkansas Department of Arkansas State Microsoft Imagine Academy
Career Education Rehabilitation Council and Certiport Professional
Meeting
Development
Three Capitol Mall 525 W. Capitol Ave. 2235 California Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72201 Little Rock, AR 72201 Camden, AR 71701
501-682-1500 9:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
501-682-1509 fax

ARCareerEd.org

June 27, 2019 July 4, 2019

YLF Mentor's Luncheon Independence Day
Crowne Plaza Hotel All state offices are closed.
201 S. Shackleford Road
Adult Education Little Rock, AR 72211
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Career & Technical Education
Office of Skills Development

Booneville Mountain Home













Mountain Home High School students
receive Teller Certifications from Arkansas
Bankers Association through the school's
Bentonville Principles of Banking class.




Blytheville



Becky Cook, Veteran Guide Dog Trainer
for Fidelco Guide Dogs, stops by the
Booneville field office while out to conduct
site visits in Uma and Kyle. District IV
counselors (Fort Smith and Booneville)
discussed the process, cost, and rules
regarding guide dogs with Cook.


The Adult Education Center at the
Arkansas Northeastern College uses
Jonesboro virtual reality to learn about blood cells.



James Spence is just graduating from
Harding University and is grateful for the Crossett
opportunities available to him through
Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Spence was one of three other students
statewide who received an Arkansas High-
Tech Scholarship (HTS) in 2015 when he
graduated from Bentonville High School.
He wasted no time at Harding, pursuing his
passion. Spence served as an officer in
the American Society of Medical Engineers
and a teacher’s assistant for introductory
design courses. He also worked on
a variety of projects centered around
majority world applications. The projects
ranged from water distribution systems
to portable solar tracking technology.
His team’s mobile solar tracker concept
advanced to the semifinals of the Arkansas
Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan
Competition, a state competition designed
to promote and support college students Northeast Arkansas Career and Crossett High School students enrolled
exploring entrepreneurial endeavors. Technical Center student Matthew in the Opportunities for Work-Based
In the fall, Spence will be attending Oyerrides shows off the art that he created Learning (OWL) program celebrated the
the University of Arkansas, studying in his welding classes at the Career and end of a successful school year with an
Environmental Engineering. Technical Center. after-school party.


3

Community Partnerships Help the Agriculture Science Program Thrive in Newark

nnovation and unique
partnerships with the
Icommunity keep agriculture
classes at Cedar Ridge High
School in Newark thriving.
Access to farm animals,
equipment, and land, as well
as branching out to include
courses on power, structure,
technical systems, and
construction provide students
with variety and options.
Over the years the number
of high school students coming
from farm families and taking
ag classes and participating
in FFA has sharply declined.
In response to this decrease Cedar Ridge High School student uses a tractor to move hay with the supervision of his
Cedar Ridge High School instructor.
has implemented alternative
measures to keep the
curriculum relevant to students Dubreville to show one of his and Dubreville was the highest
and their future career plans bulls. The school has a barn individual scorer in the state in
and to give them every resource for livestock and students care the Vet Science category. She
possible to be successful. for them daily before and after is planning to attend college in
One example of the school’s school, including during the Arkansas, studying Agriculture
unorthodox solutions is to summer and school breaks. Education.
pair students without access The responsibility, not only The Cedar Ridge School
to animals with local farmers meets the students’ need for a Ag Program has a 35-acre
willing to share their livestock. show animal, but it also instills farm where students raise hay
Cedar Ridge senior and FFA accountability and character. for the livestock, four head of
President Ashley Dubreville has “Coming in, feeding, having cattle and a pair of miniature
benefitted from this program. responsibilities, there is a lot donkeys, along with a variety of
A change of circumstances to it,” Dubreville said. “I’ve dogs, cats, rabbits, to name a
caused her to stop showing learned a lot of leadership few. These resources provide
livestock and withdraw from skills…this experience has students with the experience
her FFA activities. Her days of definitely brought me out of of working the land and caring
studying agriculture seemed my shell.” A member of the for the animals, as well as
to be over. However, this new school’s Veterinary Science opportunities to learn skills like
program came at the right time, team, she competes each year welding, basic mechanics, and
and she is excited to be able to in FFA Career Development operating farm equipment.
work with large animals again. Events (CDEs). This year, her
A local farmer allowed team won the district CDE,



4

STEM Students Test Their Piloting Skills During Drone Day Competition

nmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAV), better known as
Udrones, are not just a
fun hobby. STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) students in the
Fort Smith area recently had the
opportunity to demonstrate their
piloting skills during Drone Day
on the University of Arkansas at
Fort Smith (UAFS) campus.
The use of drones is now
commonplace in nearly every
sector of employment. They
offer safer and cheaper ways
to accomplish many tasks.
Whether it is getting a bird’s eye
view of a potential new home Fort Smith area STEM students compete in the first Drone Day Competition at the
(real estate), viewing crops Universtiy of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
success from the air (agriculture),
assessing public safety concerns
(security), or maintaining energy
grids and systems (energy), both now and in the future.”
drones play an increasingly vital Twenty teams from six area
role in everyday life in America. high schools competed by flying
That’s why drone piloting is a their creations through a rigorous
growing field of study among obstacle course. In addition to
high school students in Arkansas. the accuracy of the drone, timing
That is why UAFS hosted and presentation were also
the first Drone Day Competition factors in the judging. Fort Smith area student prepares her
with 20 teams from six area high “Exposing students to drone for the competition during Drone
schools. In addition to putting emerging technology is crucial Day.
their drones to the test, the to our success as a university,
goal of the day was also to get and their experiences with it will
others interested in cutting-edge benefit regional industries in the
technology. years to come,” said Dr. Ken
“This is a great opportunity for Warden, Dean of the College of
local schools and the community Applied Science and Technology
to see the exciting work we’re at UAFS.
doing here at the university with First Place Winners included
our Unmanned Aerial Systems teams from Southside High
program,” said UAFS program School in Fort Smith, Siloam
director David Pollman. “Our Springs High School, and Van STEM student Joseph Williams pilots his
goal is to promote collaboration Buren High School. drone, Pink Lightning, through an obstacle
between schools and teams, course during the Drone Day Competition
at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

5

CTE Students Create Prosthetic Arm to Help Boy
Achieve His Dream of Riding His Bicycle


wo creative and resourceful
high school freshmen make a
Tyoung man's dream of riding
his bike a reality.
Usually, eight-year-old Ben
Travis accomplishes anything he
sets out to do. His mother says
his disability has never slowed
him down until now. "Ben is super
capable of doing everything," said
Kasie Travis. "He's never been
held back by having a nub. He
thinks it's cool. He plays baseball,
basketball, soccer, competitive
swimming, he has taken hip-hop
class, drum, and guitar lessons
and he has never had a problem.
But learning to ride a bike was
the first time we saw him struggle
and saw signs of frustration and Fayetteville High School freshmen Jane Ballinger (far left) and Bradshaw Cate
disappointment." Learning to (far right) help create a prosthetic arm for Ben Kersh (on the bicycle). They are
pictured with Ben's family.
balance on the bicycle and to
control without a left arm hindered
Ben. fasteners. Ben is excited about the new
Ben's mother, a Fayetteville In the end, the investment of prosthetic. "It helps me ride my
High School teacher, enlisted time and effort was worth it. Cate's bike. I couldn't do that before."
the aid of a fellow teacher. What satisfaction with the project came Ben is practicing and getting used
Ben needed was something to when Ben was able to use the to balancing on the bike. It won't
lengthen his arm so he could sit prosthetic to control the bicycle. be long before he and his twin
upright on the bicycle and balance. "He was so excited. It was great brother Jack are racing down the
Engineering teacher Renee Cole to see him finally get to ride his road.
then presented Ben’s problem to bike, and he doesn't have to lean Ben's mother raves about
freshmen students, Bradshaw Cate over and try to balance. It looks so the work of Cate and Ballinger,
and Jane Ballinger. Although both natural to him." "In my eyes, as a mom, they
students were new to engineering As their teacher, Cole allowed have performed the work of a
and 3D printing, they were eager the students to do the work, just biomedical engineer. It is as if
to help. keeping up with their progress and we had taken him to some fancy
The initial plan of lengthening encouraging them through their doctor somewhere," said Travis.
Ben's arm turned out to be too many redesigns. "It was when I "They are just freshmen, and
simplistic. It took months of trial stepped back and watched Ben, I am so proud of them. I can't
and error and seven redesigns and watched Jane and Bradshaw imagine having done something so
before a working prototype was with Ben, that it was all worth it. It impactful as a freshman. If they
ready to go. Eventually, an was super rewarding, and it made don't do anything else the rest of
engineering design took shape all the months working on it that their high school career, they have
that included hinges, joints, and much sweeter," said Cole. made a huge impact already."



6

CTE Students Celebrate the Transition from High School
to Beyond with CTE Signing Days


igning Day is a familiar spring
ritual when high school
Sathletes sign letters of intent
to play for the college of their
choice. It is a milestone signifying
a career path has been chosen,
and the student is committed. In
Arkansas, Signing Day includes
more than athletics. In May
schools around the state held CTE
(Career and Technical Education)
Signing Days to celebrate students
moving from high school into
careers, internships, colleges,
and the military. On hand were
parents, military recruiters,
college representatives, and
representatives from their future
places of employment.
Cabot High School was one
of the schools hosting a Signing Cabot High School graduates Gavin Shirley, Preston Bitely, and Ryan Hillman put their
Day. They had 31 students commit CTE courses to good use and have accepted jobs at Westlake Plumbing in Cabot.
to following the CTE career path
they chose in high school into their
future. CTE courses are crucial
to the success of Cabot High
School graduates, where over a
third of students complete a set
of classes in a specific career
path. CTE instructor in business
and computers, Michael Calvert,
believes in the value of CTE
courses for his students, “These
classes give them viable skills
that they can use if they chose
to use them.” Calvert stressed
that CTE courses are crucial
whether a student decides to go
directly into the workplace, seek
an internship, or attended college.
“We emphasize both college and
career. We think that CTE is all
about providing the skills that allow
students to leave high school and
go directly into a career if that is Butlerville Heating and Air has has recognized the level of excellence instilled by the
Cabot High School CTE instructors by hiring Barrett Stark. Stark will begin work as a
what they choose,” said Calvert. plumber at Butlerville this summer.


7

Project SEARCH Students Graduate Program and Enter Workforce
®

t’s graduation season. Graduation
is not just a celebration of
Iachievement. It is also a milestone,
one that marks the beginning of a
new stage of life. Taking something
from their recent experiences into the
future is just what Project SEARCH ®
graduates celebrated around the
Natural State. Students graduating
from the program looked back at their
accomplishments and personal growth
over the past nine months. And,
along with their families and friends,
looked forward with anticipation to the
opportunities ahead.
Project SEARCH , part of the
®
ACCESS Initiative, is an innovative
job-training program that provides a
nine-month internship to young adults Arkansas Children's Hospital Project SEARCH students celebrate their achievements
®
with developmental disabilities. The during the graduation ceremony.
program required the completion of
three, 10-week rotations throughout sense that he was contributing and he helping people reach their potential
the organization. For UAMS graduate felt productive.” and seeing how they have benefited,
Bryce Taylor, the experience was A critical aspect of this program is their life experiences, and the
challenging and rewarding. “Project meeting people from different walks opportunity to develop themselves is
SEARCH was a unique experience. of life and seeing things from a new rewarding.”
®
There were challenges, but I perspective. Wade Wyeth started The business advisory committee
overcame them. And I learned to reluctantly, but the program made significantly gears up after graduation
connect with people and to be more a significant impact on his life. “I to help put the new graduates to
confident and more independent,” said am thankful for Project SEARCH work. “We pull together and network
®
Taylor. because I found a mentor who sees our connections and resources to
In addition to learning new skills, something in me that I certainly don’t help those that are still struggling to
career education, which included see in myself. He told me that he find a job and try to find a position,”
resume writing, communication skills, sees so much potential in me.” said Bittle. “We may find a position
and working with others, was stressed. Thanks to the many business for them that is either closer to their
The goal is for these young people partners, some graduates already interests or meets their special needs.”
with significant disabilities to make have jobs lined up. Darien Douglas, Bittle’s longtime association
successful transition to productive a Children’s Hospital graduate, will with Project SEARCH has been
®
adult life and develop competitive be starting her new full-time job as a rewarding. He said he is proud to see
job skills. In some cases, both the processor in the Dillard’s Distribution the program grow from one location
consistency and the variation of a job Center. Another student has a full- in Little Rock to having eight around
were novel. time job waiting for him at a Harps the state. Businesses offering Project
Amy Armstrong, the mother Grocery Store. SEARCH internships are: University
®
of a UAMS graduate, said. “My Tommy Bittle with Insight Logistic of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
son, William really grew during this Management in Conway has worked (UAMS), Arkansas Children’s Hospital
®
program. He had to be committed with Project SEARCH since the (ACH), CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs,
to getting up every morning and be beginning. He is pleased to see Ouachita County Medical Center in
patient with others. I noticed that he the program grow, now offered in Camden, St. Bernards Medical Center
developed a new level of stick-to- eight locations around the state. He in Jonesboro, Mercy Fort Smith
itiveness. He didn’t complain a bit gets personal fulfillment out of being Hospital, the University of Arkansas
about the long days. And I noticed a involved with the program. “I get a at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Forrest City
new joy in his life. He finally had the certain joy and satisfaction out of Medical Center.



8

UAMS Prepares Project SEARCH Students for the Workplace
®
A
disability does not define an
individual or determine their
success in life. Arkansas
Rehabilitation Services (ARS), in
partnership with Project SEARCH , is
®
helping young people with disabilities
lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Project SEARCH combines formal
®
training, rotating internships, and
job accountability to provide the
stimulus and skills individuals need to
accomplish their goals.
Program participants, like
graduate Andrew Aston, have the
opportunity for independence and
competitive, fulfilling employment.
The program provides real-life work
experience combined with training
in employability and independent
living skills to help students make
®
successful transitions to productive UAMS Project SEARCH graduate, Andrew Aston, (center) celebrates his achievements
with ARS Commissioner Alan McClain (left) and UAMS staff Stephanie Gardner (right).
adult life. Through ARS and Project
SEARCH , the University of Arkansas
®
for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has committed to helping disabled young and it changed my life. It opened my
trained, coached, and now employs people find their place in society. horizons to new opportunities for jobs
successful students like Aston. Senior Director at the UAMS Center that I can do. That's how it completely
ARS participation in the program for Diversity Affairs, Odette Woods, changed my whole life.”
goes to the core of what the explained, “This program is true to The program is not just making a
agency is all about. According to our mission. We focus on having difference in students like Aston; the
ARS Commissioner Alan McClain, a diverse workforce, and I think the culture of the hospital is adopting the
®
“The model that Project SEARCH Project SEARCH interns contribute initiative. Leanne Robertson, M.E.D.,
®
®
uses to develop these individuals to that in many ways. Because it UAMS Project SEARCH Instruction
and their capacities to be in the is really about all of us bringing our and Coordinator said, “I think morale
workforce is unique. It allows some talents to the organization.” has improved within the units that
important employability skills training Aston brought his talents to have interns.” Robertson said that
and then incorporates a series of UAMS and worked hard to hone overall, the interns in the program are
internships, giving [students] hands- them. Following his graduation from hardworking, conscientious, and have
on opportunities to try out different the program in 2014, the hospital a positive attitude. “I think it truly
jobs. It helps them to experience offered him a full-time position. Aston translates into a happier workplace.”
the environment of working so that didn’t just get by, he excelled. Now Of course, UAMS cannot hire all
at the end of that time they're able he is a fulltime employee and has those who graduate from their
to have had some real experiences been promoted to Patient Transport program; however, a significant
interacting with employers and the Equipment Manager with UAMS. part of their class sessions prepare
workplace, as well as getting those Aston is also a mentor and coach students for getting a job. From
important soft skills. It is easier for for students new to the internship resume writing to mock interviews
them to move into employment at program, and has proven himself as and communication skills, students in
that point.” a Top 10 performer in his department. this program have a head start on job
Over the past seven years, According to Aston, this program hunting skills.
UAMS has coached, trained, and “opened up a world of opportunities
educated over 70 students. UAMS is that I didn't think was possible.
Project SEARCH gave me a shot,
®


9

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Supports Annual


Arkansas Rehabilitation Association Conference


rkansas Rehabilitation
Services played a
Amonumental role in the
2019 Arkansas Rehabilitation
Association Conference, which
took place May 29-31 at Hotel
Hot Springs. This year’s theme
was “Relax and Rejuvenate Your
Rehabilitation Committment.” ARS
staff members either served as
panelists or attended the sessions.
Those who attended sessions
will receive continuing education
credits, as they will be able to
incorporate what they learned into
their profession.







Current and former Arkansas Rehabilitation Services staff poses for a photo at the
photo booth during the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association Conference.







iCAN shows off the new iCAN van during
the ARA Conference. iCAN was one of the
major sponsors of the event.



















Rehabilitation Program Manager
Lynn Franquemont provides information
about the TAP program during the ARA Arkansas Rehabilitation Association conference goers enjoy the Commisioner's Tea
Conference. session with the ARS Commissioner Alan McClain.


10

Career Education and Workforce
Development Board
Senior Management Team Hugh McDonald, Chairman, Little
Rock
Charisse Childers, Ph.D., Director Gina Radke, Vice Chairman,
Don Bellcock, Internal Auditor Sherwood
Lorna Claudio, Chief Financial Officer D. Alan McClain, Commissioner Adam Arroyos, Ph.D., Fayetteville
Otis Dixon, Chief Information Officer Joseph Baxter, Deputy Commissioner Jerry Cash, Ed.D., Harrison
Chip McAfee, Director of Communications Jonathan Bibb, Administrator/Associate Scott Copas, Little Rock
Kelly Hunt Lyon, Ed.D., Strategic Planning Commissioner, Arkansas Career Training Michael Garner, Hensley
and Development Manager Institute Stacy Gunderman, Batesville
DeCarlia Smith, Human Resources Rodney Chandler, Director of Business Troy Keeping, Marion
Administrator Engagement Steve Percival, Little Rock
Lisa A. Thompson, Personnel Manager Carl Daughtery, Chief of Field Services/ Jenifer Price, Springdale
Associate Commissioner Jeff Standridge, Ed.D., Conway
Lynn Franquemont, Director of Keith Vire, Ph.D., Fayetteville
Community Service Programs Burton Weis, Fort Smith
Charles Lyford, General Counsel Ex-Officio Members
James McCune, Chief Financial Officer Richard Abernathy, Ed.D.,
Trenia Miles, Ed.D., Deputy Director Judy Smith, Transition Director of Special Executive Director, AR Association
Bridget Bullard Criner, Associate Director Projects of Educational Administrators
Robert Treviño, Associate Commissioner Daryl Bassett, Director, AR
for Program, Planning Development & Department of Workforce Services
Evaluation Johnny Key, Commissioner, AR
Nathan Winter, Associate Commissioner Department of Education
for Access & Accommodations Maria Markham, Ph.D., Director,
AR Department of Higher Education
Angela Kremers, Ed.D., Deputy Director Mike Preston, Director,
Cheryl Wiedmaier, Ph.D., Associate AR Economic Development
Director Commission
Sonja Wright-McMurray, Associate Cody Waits, Deputy Director
Director for Special Programs Stephanie Isaacs, Associate Director




ADULT EDUCATION Lonoke Small Business Program
501-683-2341 501-676-4490 501-683-3582
GED ® Monticello Stay At Work/ Return To Work
501-682-1980 870-367-9669 501-683-6052
ARKANSAS REHABILITATION North Little Rock Services for the
SERVICES 501-833-1490 Deaf & Hard of Hearing (SDHH)
Arkansas Career Training Institute Pine Bluff 501-686-2800
501-624-4411 870-534-2404 TAP (Telecommunications Access
Field Services Offices Russellville Program)
Batesville 479-890-5751 800-981-4463
870-793-4153 Searcy Transition Services
Benton 501-268-4542 501-682-5634
501-317-1390 Texarkana CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Booneville 870-773-2807 501-682-1040
479-675-3835 West Memphis Occupational Programs
Conway 870-735-4725 Agricultural Science and Technology
501-730-9725 Alternative Finance Program 501-682-2561
El Dorado 501-296-1663 Business/Marketing Technology
870-862-5451 Arkansas Governor's Commission on 501-682-1768
Fayetteville People with Disabilities Family & Consumer Sciences Education
479-582-1286 501-682-5317 501-682-1115
Fort Smith Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission Office of School Improvement
479-755-3300 (AKDC) 501-682-1616
Harrison 501-686-2807 Skilled and Technical Sciences
870-741-7153 Assistive Technology at Work (AT@ 501-682-1271
Helena Work) State Approving Agency for Veterans
870-338-2753 501-683-3009 Training and Education
Hot Springs Business Engagement 501-324-9473
501-623-4479 501-296-1659 OFFICE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Jonesboro Increasing Capabilities Access 501-683-1152
870-972-0025 Network (ICAN) Apprenticeship
Little Rock 501-666-8868 501-682-1360
501-686-2800

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