Workforce Development Center
UA Little Rock is committed to increasing student access to transformative educational experiences, strengthening educational attainment leading to economic mobility, and enhancing community engagement through partnerships and collaboration. Workforce Development works to enhance the university’s efforts to align academic programs with the evolving needs of industries, and to also ensure that UA Little Rock is a leader in preparing students for the modern workforce.
We aim to streamline efforts to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market, while also addressing the region’s and state’s workforce development needs in conjunction with the university’s overall mission.
How We’re Preparing Students
Background
Workforce development refers to a range of strategies, initiatives, and educational activities that aim to enhance the skills and competencies of people engaged in or available for work. It is about equipping students with the necessary tools, knowledge, and training to meet current and future job demands. This ensures that employees remain relevant in their roles, and also helps businesses thrive in a competitive market.
In recent years, the state of Arkansas has placed significant emphasis on workforce strategy and building partnerships between higher education and industries. UA Little Rock is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, particularly with its resources in corporate and community education and career services, as well as its success in securing strategic workforce development grants, such as the ADHE HIRED Grant. This office empowers both traditional and non-traditional learners with the skills and credentials needed for career success.
Workforce Development Center Vision Statement
The UA Little Rock Workforce Development Center will be recognized as a leader in workforce innovation, integrating education and industry collaboration to cultivate talent, drive economic growth, and advance the university’s role as a cornerstone of Arkansas’s workforce ecosystem.
Workforce Development Center Mission Statement
The UA Little Rock Workforce Development Center advances the university’s mission by fostering quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and enhancing workforce readiness. The Center serves as a catalyst for aligning academic and training initiatives with the evolving needs of industry, expanding access to transformative educational experiences, and strengthening economic and social mobility for learners. Through strategic partnerships and experiential learning opportunities, the Center supports the development of a skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce for the region and state.