Southeast Arkansas College hosted a workforce summit on Sept. 15 that packed the Welcome Center with educators, students and business leaders from Jefferson County.
Panelists included Pine Bluff School District Interim Superintendent Phillip Carlock, White Hall High School Principal Jennifer Menard, Watson Chapel Superintendent Keith McGee, and Friendship Aspire Academy Southeast Campus assistant principal Michael Anthony. SEARK President Tyrone Jackson estimated about 200 high school students are enrolled in concurrent classes this year — double a prior goal of 100.
Leaders stressed shared targets across districts, career and technical tracks such as welding, auto mechanics and cybersecurity, and keeping skilled graduates in the county. Students also urged teachers to listen and show they care while districts expand exposure to local employers.
