The Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project, which provides free online job training through a federal grant, reached its goal of enrolling 2,000 participants nine months ahead of schedule, allowing even more to get free training.

The U of A and several partners administer the program. It's designed to help Arkansans advance their careers or start new ones, especially for people affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. People who live in neighboring states and work in Arkansas can also apply.

The enrollment milestone doesn't mean work is slowing down. Funding remains available for the three-year grant project set to end in September, and applications can be submitted online.

Staff of U of A Professional and Workforce Development, a division of the Global Campus based in Bentonville, developed and implemented the statewide Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project. The team helped write a grant application to the U.S. Department of Education explaining how the Global Campus could execute the statewide training program. A $13.6 million grant was awarded to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, and Reimagine partners include state agencies, Global Campus, Shorter College and Idatafy LLC.

"We are pleased with the response by people who have recognized this funding as a way to improve their futures and the lives of their families," said Tara Dryer, senior managing director of Professional and Workforce Development. "We are also proud of our dedicated staff members who worked on the goal of assisting 2,000 people, as well as the partnerships we made with people and agencies throughout Arkansas who devote themselves to providing job training. We will continue to enroll participants in courses to help them achieve their employment goals."

People all over the state have improved their lives through the online job training that includes more than 100 courses.

Aryel Larry of Helena-West Helena is now working as a medical assistant after completing the clinical medical assistant program. She previously had enrolled in nursing school but had to leave because of family circumstances and was working at an athletic shoe store when she found out about Reimagine. Now, back in the medical field, Larry plans to further her education.

"The training program was great," Larry said. "I love my job, and I'm ready to go back to nursing school. It was a promise I made to my dad before he passed away. My grandfather had colon cancer, and my daughter was born with a condition that required her to have surgery the day she was born. I already have recommended the Reimagine program to other people."

James Forbus of Hot Springs completed a course in CompTIA Network+ training.

"I graduated in 2018 with my associate's degree in network administration," Forbus said. "Since then, I've worked as a network tech for Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort in Hot Springs. We don't outsource much work, so we really have to be a jack of all trades. I was looking to enhance my portfolio, resume, experience, everything. The more experience we have, the better. The information I learned helped me fix a couple of issues at work even before I finished the course. CompTIA Network+ certification is something employers look for, and it's stackable with other certifications. I loved the program, and I have recommended it to other people."

Hazelee Cox of Fayetteville was employed by McDonald's when jobs in the health field opened up because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was working two health-related jobs when she enrolled in the phlebotomy technician course, and, as she finished the course, Cox was hired by Highlands Oncology.

"If there's anyone out there looking through these programs and looking at the Reimagine Arkansas program, I would really like to encourage you to apply for that course that you really think that you want to take, something that you might start a career in, something that you might love," Cox said.

For Cassie Persinger of Bryant, the administrative professional training she received through Reimagine, combined with her experience in an administrative role at a Little Rock law firm, helped her secure a new position as assistant deputy chief clerk with the Arkansas Supreme Court.

"Thank you for providing this opportunity for me to be able to wholeheartedly love my career and show my children how arduous work will pay off," said Persinger (formerly Doggett). "I will be attending law school in the fall of 2024."

For more information about the availability of funding for online job training, visit the Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project website. Funds from Reimagine are limited to one course offered through Professional and Workforce Training, which is housed in the Collaborative in Bentonville. Applicants must be 18 or older, if male have registered for Selective Service, be eligible to work in the U.S. and have been economically impacted by COVID-19.