Helping Students Reach Their Dreams: Spotlight on H.I.R.E.D!
At the Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC), we are proud to collaborate with impactful programs that are making a real difference in the lives of students. One such program is H.I.R.E.D! – Helping Individuals Reach Employment Dreams, a collaborative initiative that is providing high school students in Northwest Arkansas with the career guidance and skills needed to pursue their dreams.
H.I.R.E.D! is a partnership between the Walton Family Foundation, APSRC, local school districts, business and industry leaders, and postsecondary educators.
Currently serving high schools in Decatur, Gentry, Gravette, Greenland, and Lincoln, the program works closely with communities to empower students to achieve their career goals. Coaches embedded in these schools guide students through career exploration, skill development, and mentorship, creating pathways to success in the workforce.
About H.I.R.E.D
"H.I.R.E.D! stands for Helping Individuals Reach Employment Dreams. It is a partnership between the Walton Family Foundation, the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, several school districts, business and industry leaders, and postsecondary educators to provide opportunities for both high school students and employers. We are located, for now, in Northwest Arkansas, serving Decatur, Gentry, Gravette, Greenland, and Lincoln high schools, with coaches that are embedded into their communities.
The goal of the program is to impact the lives of students by giving them access to high quality career guidance and the education or skill development necessary to obtain the career of their dreams. The goal of the program for employers is to have the opportunity to develop and recruit a highly skilled workforce. For educators, we hope to provide high-level support for their CTE programming and goals for the school at large. At H.I.R.E.D!, we believe that when accurate information about careers (that are available) is combined with realistic pathways for students to acquire the skills necessary to obtain those careers, both students and employers will benefit. Many of these opportunities are conducted through hands-on, experiential learning which provides a realistic look at the future for these students. In depth, one-on-one and group mentoring is key to our success with students as well.
We are on a mission to improve career readiness and CTE opportunities throughout the state. We start with our students and where they want to go, then work back and provide support along the way to figure out how to get them to their goals, whether that involves college, technical or trade school, the military, an apprenticeship, or going straight to work. We would love to connect and discuss how this is possible."
As a collaborative partner of H.I.R.E.D!, APSRC is excited to support the growth of this innovative program, which is playing a key role in improving career readiness and expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities in Arkansas. By starting with the students’ goals, H.I.R.E.D! ensures they have the resources and support they need to achieve those goals, whether through higher education, apprenticeships, or direct employment.
We are eager to see the continued success of H.I.R.E.D! and its positive impact on both students and employers across the state. If you are interested in learning more about how this program can benefit your school or community, we encourage you to reach out to the H.I.R.E.D! team for further information.
For more information or to get in touch with the H.I.R.E.D! team, visit their website or contact them today.
