UA Cossatot Chosen To Receive US Department Of Labor Grant Of Nearly $1.6 Million

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2023

CONTACT: Loren Hinton, Community Relations Coordinator

UA Cossatot Chosen To Receive US Department Of Labor Grant Of Nearly $1.6 Million

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $50 million in grants to help 15 community colleges in 14 states expand access to education and training for good-paying jobs and equitably meet employers’ and workers’ skill development needs.

The funding announced today – together with the $45 million awarded in September 2022 – is a combined investment of $95 million since 2022 in the community college system from the Department of Labor under the Biden-Harris administration, allowing 28 community colleges in 24 states to provide career pathways for participants to train in healthcare, teaching, clean energy and other key industries.

In January 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that full-time college graduates earn almost twice as much each week as workers with high school diplomas. For people in marginalized and underserved communities, a lack of access to education and training hinders career pathways and often worsens their economic disparities.

“Community colleges offer accessibility and affordability that make them great options for people in marginalized and underrepresented communities to learn the skills needed to succeed in the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Combined with our September 2022 funding, today’s award will put $95 million to work to help community colleges in 24 states tailor their curriculum to respond to regional labor market needs, continue the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to investing in education programs that connect people to quality jobs, and create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.”

Upon the announcement of the grant, UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, "This grant will mean 1.6 million dollars to our college to aid us in our ongoing effort to help hard-to-reach students succeed in certain education and medical programs. This is fantastic news for our college and our area!"

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the third round of Strengthening Community Colleges training grants will enable recipients to increase educational and economic opportunities for people in underrepresented communities. Grants will provide opportunities to design and align education and training to respond to regional and state labor market needs through accelerated learning pathways.

In March 2022, the department announced funding availability for the second round of Strengthening Community College Training grants. A subsequent announcement – in June 2022 – made $50 million available for the round of funding awarded today.

Grant recipients include:

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

De Queen, AR $1,597,031

Los Angeles Community College District

Sylmar, CA$ 1,600,000

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO $4,989,434

College of Central Florida

Ocala, FL $4,732,384

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, IL $1,599,842

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA $4,999,094

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fergus Falls, MN $4,201,050

County College of Morris

Randolph, NJ $1,600,000

Lorain County Community College District

Elyria, OH $5,000,000

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, OK $1,600,000

Northeastern Technical College

Cheraw, SC $4,900,636

Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, SC $4,987,461

Brazosport College

Lake Jackson, TX $1,598,762

Southside Virginia Community College

Alberta, VA $1,599,530

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI $4,994,776

Hazardous weather outlook for Arkansas Wednesday night into Thursday morning

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Arkansas,
southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Thunderstorms are expected later today into tonight. A few storms
could be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes
will be possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to
more minor flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms will continue into early Thursday. A few storms could
be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be
possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to more minor
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

Rain may return to the region late Monday and early Tuesday morning,
however, no hazardous weather is expected with next week`s activity
at this time.

More than 40 million at risk for severe weather from Texas to Ohio

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

“It will be like lighting a match,” one AccuWeather senior meteorologist said as she explained factors coming together for all modes of severe weather, including the potential for a few tornadoes.

Severe weather will erupt from the Gulf coast to the Great Lakes region from Wednesday night to Thursday night, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. Not only will the severe weather occur unusually far to the north for this time of year, but it will also come with the dangers of nighttime thunderstorms capable of spawning a few tornadoes and other hazards.

A potent storm will harness the power of the jet stream and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to trigger severe thunderstorms that will put more than 40 million people at risk.

UA Cossatot honors two local WWII veterans during basketball games in Lockesburg

Sterling Daniel and Sam Phillips were honored recently by UA Cossatot at Veteran’s Night basketball games. State Representative DeAnn Vaught and UA Cossatot Chancellor Steve Cole are pictured with Daniel and Phillips at midcourt between games and presented special proclamations from the Arkansas Legislature, thanking them for their service to America.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

On the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed legislation addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy, public assistance, and transportation. 

The House passed HB1144. This bill creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act. 

The bill states that there is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce the number of family separations due to substance use disorders and mental health disorders.  HB1144 address that by creating a specialized court within the court system, similar to our current drug courts. 

The House also passed the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. HB1161 allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence after the birth of their child. This bill also ensures adequate nursing facilities are provided by schools to parenting students. 

The House passed two bills this week regarding qualifications for public assistance. 

HB1197 would disqualify a person from collecting unemployment compensation for any week he or she fails to respond to a job offer or fails to appear for a job interview. 

HB1196 would require an able-bodied person to work, train, or volunteer in order to qualify for and receive public housing. Several exceptions are outlined in the bill. 

In addition, the House passed HB1182. This bill aims to address the state’s shortage of large animal veterinarians by providing clarity regarding the certification of a veterinary technician specialist and defines a collaborative agreement between a veterinarian and a specialist. 

The House passed SB43 which defines an adult-oriented performance and adds certain restrictions. 

And the House passed a couple of transportation bills. 

HB1324 would allow law enforcement officers to pull over a driver who does not have their headlights on when it is raining, snowing, or any time the windshield wipers are being used. 

SB47 repeals a law that prohibits leaving a running vehicle unattended.

The deadline to file proposed constitutional amendments was Wednesday of this week.

In all, 33 proposals were filed. Constitutional amendments are typically one of the last items to be addressed in the session. You can review the proposals at arkansashouse.org.

State Representative DeAnn Vaught Update

On Tuesday, The House Education Committee advanced HB1185. This bill states that a student who attended preschool in a non-resident school district for at least one year before kindergarten will not count against that school’s 3% cap of non-residents under the School Choice Act of 2015.

The House Education Committee also advanced HB1161. This bill creates the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. It allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence for a parenting mother and father after the birth of their child.

The House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee advanced HB1197. This bill would disqualify a claimant from collecting unemployment compensation benefits for any week that the claimant fails to respond to an offer of employment or fails to appear for a previously scheduled job interview.

The full House passed several bills addressing teacher retirement including HB1200. HB1200 provides for members who served in the armed forces for a period in which a military draft was in effect to receive up to 5 years of free service credit before retirement regardless of their current status.

The last day to file proposed constitutional amendments is Wednesday, February 8. Constitutional amendments are filed at House Joint Resolutions or Senate Joint Resolutions. You can review the proposals filed at arkansashouse.org.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the fall 2022 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List as well as the names of the fall 2022 graduates.

90 students were named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.  92 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Brayden Taylor and Kenyon Turner

Ashdown:  Hunter Billingsley, Quinton Holland, Michala Scarborough, Vonee Thomas, Charli Tompkins, Emma Wrinkle, and Zulma Gonzalez

Cove: Deantha Gibbons, Katelyn McLain, and Valley Meeks

De Queen: Hailey Carter,  Clyde Chandler, Ashley Contreras, Jera Cotton, Kimberly Delgado, Oscar Fernandez, Edgar Ferretiz, Litzi Flores, Halle Harp, Johnathan Hernandez, Fatima Jaimes,  Meagan Martz, Dair Mendoza, Gerardo Monroy, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Ariana Ortiz, Dulce Owen,  Alex Pacheco, Jaclyn Pham, Diana Ramirez,  Elaina Rivas, Joshua Roberts, Rojas Jose Margarito, Jamileth Rueda, Misael Sanches, Joshua Servante, Izabella Sotelo, Wendy Victoriano, and Reyna Lopez

Delight: Tristan Humphry

Dierks:  Kevin Herrington and Kimberly McCauley

Foreman: Caroline Beasley and Ashalin Casper

Gillham: Angelica Aguilar

Glenwood: Lauren Fortner and Knighten Richter

Hatfield: Esmerelda Johnson

Horatio: Kelsi Brown, Bryan Hernandez, Reese Walker, and Saranenkhjin Williams

Kirby: Jolie Brewer and Montana Cook

Langley: Taylor Kelley

Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Calum Casiano, Sabrina Cooke, Emma Gilbert, Cadee Glasgow, Megan Midgett, Arrionna Arie, and Shelby Blankenship

Mineral Springs: Liliana Meraz

Murfreesboro: Brooke Westfall

Nashville: Jose Luis Bretado Jr, Alexis Byers, Katie Cochran, Olivia Dean, Kerri Foster, Jenna Hostetler, Dustin Hupp, Jackson King, Sophie Kuykendall, Crimson Lovewell, Kiersten Priddy, Kyleigh Scoggins, Kyrell Williams, Logan Wilson, Blane Woods, Haley Wright, and James Jordan

Texarkana: Tonya Cloud, Audrey Fricks, and Meagan Toliver

Wickes: Emily Whisenhunt

Wilton: Kristen Lopez

Winthrop: April Klitz

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Vice Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Kylee Crump, Cameron Johnson, and Kaden Owens

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Faith Green, Heavenleigh Kelm, Braydee Kennemore, Aaliyah Nutt,

Dillon Reed, Kimberly Strube, Vonjoy Thomas, Isabella Woolfley, and Candace McGee

Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison

Buckner: Abby Clark

Cove: Kortlyn McKee

De Queen: Sara Abril, Saul Barron Jr, Jasmin Cisneros, Jose Cortes, Kaylee Coto, Abisai De Jesus, Elise Dean, Edith Garcia, Ana Gutierrez, Zoe Helms, Victor Hernandez, Allen Hong, Megan Kuykendall, Dalton Love, Magdalena Lugo, Jesus Marrufo, Henry Martinez, Kevin Martinez,  

Duran Morales, Olympia Quintana, Sebastian Ramirez, Vorian Rehm, Luke Rogers, Ana Servante,  

Penelope Sims, Sarah White, Ethan Wolcott, Danielle Martinez, Olivia Yandell, and Raven Revels

Dierks: Nancy Diaz, Josie Galloway, Jaiden Jackson, Casey Kirby, Kitreena Russell, William Sirmon, and Hunter Young

Foreman: Landon Lansdell, Trista Martin, and Jabrea Walker

Garvin: Hannah Honey

Gillham: Kasey Frachiseur

Glenwood: Isai Felix and Graicyn Richter

Horatio: Carson Bright, Demi Leonard, Haylee Stubbs, and Alexis Ragan

Lockesburg: Espinoza Cortes, Samantha Fowler, and Mallori Marshall

Mena: Cash Parker and Marissa Robbins

Mineral Springs: Marlon Graves Jr and Keon Piggee

Murfreesboro: Kaylynn Cox and Tammie Summers

Nashville: Hallie Caldwell, Isai Camacho, Jackson Carter, Reagan Cooley, Martin Garcia,  

Lamia Hendrix, Isaac Jamison, Caleb King, Kortlan Parker, Samuel Rodgers, Justin Wescott, and

Gordon Morrow

Newhope: Austin Mack and Jacob Sharp

Ozan: LaShonna Cooper and Daleigh Morris
Texarkana: Peyton Dean, Abigail Houck, and Kimberly Leverett

18 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0.  14 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.  27 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Denise Austin of Fouke, Hunter Billingsley of Ashdown, Alexis Byers of Nashville, Calum Casiano of Lockesburg, Kimberly Delgado of De Queen, Alec-Zander Frachiseur of De Queen, Dennis Guzman of Nashville, Luis Hernandez of De Queen, Quinton Holland of Ashdown, James Jordan of Nashville, Denise Lawrence of Lockesburg, Ariana Ortiz of De Queen, Dulce Owen of De Queen, Brenda Perez of De Queen, Diana Ramirez of De Queen, Vorian Rehm of De Queen, Izabella Sotelo of De Queen, and

Brooke Westfall of Murfreesboro

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Victoria Alfaro Zapata of De Queen, Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel of De Queen, Destiny Bearden of Mineral Springs, Ashley Contreras of De Queen, Shonda French of Wilton, Halle Harp of De Queen, Samantha Harris of Fayetteville, Robert Haworth of Texarkana, Lamia Hendrix of Nashville, Jackson King of Nashville, Keon Piggee of Mineral Springs, Stephanie Piza of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, and Ethan Wolcott of De Queen.

Students graduating fall 2022 with Cum Laude Honors:

Chantal Alonso of Dierks, Jaden Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Melody Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Laura Alvarado of De Queen, Abigail Angeles of Cabot, Hector Blanco of De Queen, Heather Bradshaw of De Queen, Estevan Bravo of Nashville, Ty Buchanan of Ashdown, Miranda Coto of De Queen, Lucas Cowart of Kirby, Abisai De Jesus of De Queen, Kisa Epps of Nash, William Foster of De Queen, Kimberly Frachiseur of De Queen, Marlon Graves Jr. of Hope, Alexander Hamby of Ashdown, Alyssa Harrison of Nashville, Kevin Hernandez of Gillham, Shelby Hill-Blankenship of Lockesburg, Diana Lerma of De Queen, Karina Lopez-Balderas of Gillham, Leonardo Martinez of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, Anahiz Ruvalcaba of Horatio,

Maria San Juan of Horatio, and Alleigh Tucker of Newhope

UA Cossatot Students Graduating in Fall 2022 Include:

Amity: Joseph Galloway, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls and Harrison Sutton, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology and

Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Melody Altenbaumer, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Hunter Billingsley, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Paiton Britt, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Shernesia Broughton, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Ty Buchanan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kyle Burnham, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Michael Wayne Friday, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding;

Jessica Green, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Corbin Gulley, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Alexander Hamby, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate; Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Quinton Holland, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Heavenleigh Kelm, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Candace McGee, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing; Aaliyah Nutt, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant; ShaCoya Poole, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Ashley Rechkemmer, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Timothy Smith, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Vonjoy Thomas, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Samantha Trotter, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  

Braley Turner, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Broken Bow: Melissa Stuart, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Cabot: Abigail Angeles, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Cove: Ricardo Maldonado, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

De Queen: Yuri Aguilar, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Victoria Alfaro Zapata, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Laura Alvarado, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Aparicio-Montiel, Associate of General Studies; Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Adolfo Barreto, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Saul Barron Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control; Hector Blanco, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Chasity Borja, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education, Associate of General Studies; Heather Bradshaw, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Tucker Brown, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Nubia Buendia Gonzalez, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Marisol Buenrostro,  Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jesus Camacho Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Veronica Castro, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Ashley                                                                                                                                       Contreras, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jose Cortes Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Miranda Coto, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kaydee Cowling, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Leslie Daniels, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Abisai De Jesus, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kimberly Delgado, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,  Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate:  General Studies; Yatzari Dominguez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  Oscar Fernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Edgar Ferretiz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; William Foster, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

Alec-Zander Frachiseur, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding;

Kimberly Frachiseur, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Juan Gaona, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Edwin Garcia, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Luis Gomez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology; Halle Harp, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Luis Hernandez, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Victor Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Tays Hernandez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Tasma Irons, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate:  General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Irata Kelen, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Diana Lerma, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting;

Giovanna Lerma, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Erick Loredo, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Magdalena Lugo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jair Marrufo, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices;

Leonardo Martinez, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Giovanni Mendez, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Dair Mendoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control;

Edwin Mora, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency, Pipe Welding GTAW; Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Amari Morrison, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alexander Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Ariana Ortiz, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Catherine Ousse, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Dulce Owen, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Alex Pacheco, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Angelica Padilla, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Connor Pearce, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Brenda Perez, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Stephanie Piza, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Diana Ramirez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant,

Technical Certificate: General Studies; Vorian Rehm, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Luke Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jose Rojas, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Misael Sanches, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Izabella Sotelo, Associate of Science: STEM

Sofia Velazquez, Associate of Science: Business; Joseph Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Digital Media & Marketing; Taylor Whittington, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ethan Wolcott, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Gage Woods, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices,

Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Erika Zamora, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Delight: Brookelyen Cox, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bobbie Craig, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Dierks: Chantal Alonso, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Destiny Faulkner, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Allie Miller, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Kitreena Russell, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; William Sirmon, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls,

Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Fayetteville: Samantha Harris, Associate of Science: Business

Foreman: Myranda Gross, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Harley Reaves, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Colton Rose, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity,

Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Fouke: Denise Austin, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Gillham: Jessica Gonzalez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions; Kevin Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Karina Lopez-Balderas, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Glenwood: Traemichael Samuel, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Grannis: Adamari Aguirre, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Haworth: Scout Dorsey, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Hope: Marlon Graves Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control,

Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Jessica Langston, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Makaylia Tate, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Horatio: Melissa Arellano, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bryan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Maddie Rivas, Associate of Science: Agriculture Business;

Anahiz Ruvalcaba, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Maria San Juan, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Haylee Stubbs, Associate of Science: STEM; Roberto Villeda Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW

Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Langley: Jacy White, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lockesburg: Calum Casiano, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology,

Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Shelby Hill-Blankenship, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Denise Lawrence, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Abbigail Stinson, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Mena: Elizabeth Smith, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Nyna Nuttall, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;  

Keon Piggee, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

X'aivier Reed, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Murfreesboro: JohnAaron Legate, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Hope Littles, Associate of General Studies; Tammie Summers, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing;

Brooke Westfall, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Nash: Kisa Epps, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Nashville: Paula Alvarez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Gloria Avila, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Estevan Bravo, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; James Brockman, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Gilberto Bustos Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Alexis Byers, Associate of Science: Psychology,

Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Isai Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dana Carlton, Associate of Applied Science: General Business, Technical Certificate:  Accounting; Sarah Cobb, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Krystle Finley, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Dennis Guzman, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies;  

Alyssa Harrison, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Lamia Hendrix, Associate of General Studies; Jerry Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Megan Huffman, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant;

James Jordan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW; Jackson King, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kortlan Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Hayden Patrick, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Athena Paulino, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing,

Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Braven Warren, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology;

Blane Woods, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance                                                                                                                             

Newhope: Michael Arivett, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Jacob Sharp, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Alleigh Tucker, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions                                                                                                                                                                       

Oklahoma City: Jamile Navarrete, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Saratoga: James Archer Jr., Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Texarkana: Andrea Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Mashandy Harris, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Robert Haworth, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Shae Reid, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Joseph Russell, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Umpire: Haley Manasco, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions

Washington: Kaylin Romine, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Wilton: Shonda French, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies         

Winthrop: Kelli Cowan, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology

Winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings, and ice storm warnings across Arkansas; ice affecting travel, trees, and power lines

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Maurer Named the New President of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance

Tiffany Maurer, Director of Economic Development for Sevier County, was recently named the new president of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA).

The Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA) is a regional economic development and workforce development initiative comprising eight counties in Southwest Arkansas (Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, and Sevier Counties). The alliance partners the regions’ economic developers with our education cooperatives’ Career/Technical Education Coordinators to provide pathways from education to workforce through initiatives like Explore Success and the ACT Work Ready Community initiative.

The Explore Success event is an annual youth manufacturing conference that engages area 8th graders with guest speakers from local industries and provides information about local career opportunities as students start choosing which courses and degree plans to pursue.

Maurer served as Vice President of SADA for the past two years and was appointed as President in 2023, replacing Steve Harris, Director of Economic Development for Hempstead County. “It’s an honor to be the new SADA president and I hope to do Southwest Arkansas proud with the work we do to improve our region’s industry and workforce future. The partnerships SADA has created with our area education

cooperatives and colleges has allowed us to take a proactive approach to workforce development and I hope to help continue that work in my new role,” said Maurer.

The new Vice President of SADA is Ellie Baker, Director of Economic Development for Magnolia and the Secretary is Vickie Williamson, Director of Economic Development for Little River County. The treasurer is Mary Godwin, Director of Economic Development for Prescott/Nevada County.

For more information, contact Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.

Winter storm and ice warnings in parts of Arkansas; travel is affected

...WINTER WINTER ADVISORY IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Significant icing. Additional ice accumulations of near
  one quarter of an inch.

* WHERE...Sevier, Howard, Hempstead and Nevada Counties.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Bridges and overpasses could become slick resulting in
  travel impacts this morning. Those impacts will continue through
  the day and especially into the overnight hours. Power outages
  and tree damage are likely due to the ice.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1, or in Arkansas see the idrivearkansas.com website.

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1150, HB1123, and HB1098.

HB1150 would extend the time period authorized for the registration of a motor vehicle from 30 days to 60 days from the purchase date or from the time an individual becomes a resident of Arkansas.

HB1123 (this bill was brought to me by a constituent from Dist 87) would allow an individual who voluntarily seeks mental health treatment in a mental health institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment. 

HB1098 would allow volunteer fire departments to operate a newborn safety device under the Safe Haven Act. The bill states the department is required to be staffed 24 hours a day to qualify. The Safe Haven Act allows a parent to anonymously relinquish custody of an infant. HB1098 would also allow a parent to leave a newborn child with a medical provider staff member after delivery of the newborn.

UA Cossatot’s Textbook Rental and OER Program Saved Students Over $3 Million Dollars

UA Cossatot’s textbook rental and Open Educational Resource (OER) program has saved students $3,004,899.01. What began as a chancellor’s vision in 2015 exceeded all expectations in 2022. Nearly 70% of courses at UA Cossatot are taught with OER.

UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole recently recognized Relinda Ruth, Director of Educational Resources and OER Specialist, for her efforts in building this program and leading the OER effort in Arkansas. Dr. Cole also commended Ruth for serving as a leader for the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Arkansas State OER Action Team and leading the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) consortial membership with the Open Education Network (OEN). “Good visions only become reality if the right persons can see them through. In our case, that person was Relinda Ruth. She not only built this program but just like Johnny Appleseed, she has provided her ideas and leadership community to Arkansas and the United States. This program would not have happened without Relinda!” said Cole.

Ruth was recently invited to Florida to join the SREB Educational Technology Cooperative (ETC) alongside 11 others representing 16 southern states.

UA Cossatot continues to lead Arkansas in OER usage and has become a leader in the OER world. Ruth has traveled to other colleges across the state to help educators move toward OER. Ruth has shared her

experience in building an internal textbook rental and OER program through national interviews, presentations, publications, blogs, and even podcasts. To date, she’s presented at 20 state and national conferences.

“It’s amazing what everyone at UA Cossatot has accomplished with our textbook rental and OER program. Dr. Cole had a vision of making college more affordable to students and the entire UA Cossatot team worked together to make it a reality,” said Ruth.

Ruth will travel to Atlanta in March 2023 to present at the SREB OER and Dual Enrollment Conference. Her focus is expanding the use of OER in developmental education and college readiness in Arkansas Community Colleges.

For more information on UA Cossatot’s textbook rental and OER program, contact Relinda Ruth at 870-584-1181 or rruth@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot joins AACC/Microsoft Cyber Skills Initiative

UA Cossatot was recently selected as one of 14 community colleges across the nation to participate in the Cyber Skills for All initiative, made possible by a partnership between the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Microsoft. In addition to receiving a grant of $20,000, UA Cossatot will be part of a community of practice consisting of community college workforce and economic development executives across the nation aimed at skilling people for participation in the digital economy.

UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “Joining the Cyberskills initiative aligns perfectly with UA Cossatot's new offerings in Cybersecurity we will be offering on our Nashville campus as part of the UA Cyberlearn Network. Cybersecurity is the absolute most important topic for individuals and businesses, and UA Cossatot is gearing up to prepare our workforce to address the needs for Cybersecurity experts in our area.”

“Cyber skills have become increasingly important for community colleges to provide students as their need from the workforce continues to grow,” said Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO. “Selected community colleges will have the opportunity to learn best practices from one another to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant cyber skills education to all students.”

“The United States faces a cybersecurity skills crisis – we simply don’t have enough people to combat the increasing number of cybersecurity attacks,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft

Philanthropies. “By working with AACC we can help ensure there are enough people with the necessary skills to keep organizations secure and people safe.”

“As technology evolves so do the skills needed to protect the nation’s technology infrastructure,” said Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO. “Working together with Microsoft, we will provide these community colleges with resources to ensure students learn the relevant skills needed in the workforce. Selected community colleges will have the opportunity to learn best practices from one another to continue to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant cyber skills education to all students.

Other institutions part of the second cohort include: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College; Hostos Community College; North Hennepin Community College; Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech); Community College of Philadelphia; Central Community College; Bellevue College; Southwest Tennessee Community College; Blue Ridge Community and Technical College; College of Western Idaho; Tulsa Community College; City Colleges of Chicago; and College of Southern Nevada.

UA Cossatot was recently awarded $64,000 Blue & You Foundation Grant

UA Cossatot was recently awarded a $64,000 Blue & You Foundation Grant to provide hunger relief and hygiene items for students in need.

The grant will aid UA Cossatot’s Center for Student Success’s food pantries and supplies closet, located on three of their four campuses in Sevier, Howard, and Little River counties.

“Food insecurity and lack of resources on college campuses across America is a growing problem, and within the Center for Student Success, we want to do all that we can to alleviate hunger locally and meet these needs. We want students to come to college and focus solely on their academics and not where their next meal may come from,” said Erika Buenrrostro, Director of Student Success and Enrichment. “We are excited that UA Cossatot was chosen to receive this grant that will greatly benefit our students.”

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas announced Wednesday that 47 grants are being awarded in 2023 to public schools, universities and nonprofit groups in Arkansas totaling $3.38 million. The grants will directly impact each of the state’s 75 counties, funding projects focused on:

· Behavioral health resources

· Social determinants of health

· Maternal and pediatric health needs

· Health equity

· Whole person health

· Medical condition innovation

“These grants will fund dozens of projects touching Arkansans all over the state — from supporting the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Hotline to providing recreational therapy to youth aging out of foster care, the 2023 grants will impact Arkansans in a powerful way.” said Rebecca Pittillo, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation. “The organizations that we have funded are focused on improving the lives of people in our communities, which is also our goal at the Blue & You Foundation.”

For more information, contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133 or ebuenrrostro@cccua.edu

Winter weather headed to Arkansas

Overall, forecast confidence is high for an impactful Winter Storm across the northwestern half of the state this coming Tuesday through Wednesday. 

Forecast snowfall amounts have continued to increase, and hazardous travel impacts are expected across much of western, northwestern, and northern Arkansas Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. 

Attached is a supplemental briefing with our latest forecast information, including our newest forecast snowfall amounts. Changes to snow amounts/coverage of accumulation are still possible, but overall confidence for impactful snowfall is high.

Broadband in Arkansas Survey

The State Broadband Office needs your help getting as many people in Arkansas as possible to check the FCC’s new broadband map and challenge any inaccuracies.  They are only accepting these challenges through Friday (1/13).

https://broadband.arkansas.gov/verify/

UA Cossatot kicks-Off Spring 2023 Semester

UA Cossatot’s Spring 2023 regular classes will begin on Tuesday, January 17, and registration is open until Thursday, January 19. Two eight-week terms are also offered, one running January-March and the second March-May. The registration deadline for the second eight-week term is March 14.

Various in-person and online courses and career and transfer options are offered. Anyone interested in taking courses, including returning students, is encouraged to stop by UA Cossatot’s Student Services, where a friendly staff member can help with registration and enrollment questions. A complete list of courses and information on scholarships and financial aid can be found at www.cccua.edu. There are also funding opportunities for UA Cossatot students to attend free in spring 2023 through the ArFuture Grant. Arkansas resident students in select technical and high-demand fields such as Agriculture, Industrial Maintenance, EMT, Nursing, Welding, Cybersecurity, Education, and Science can have their tuition and fees paid for through the ArFutures grant. The full list of criteria, rules/regulations, and the online application can be found at https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ARFUTURE. The application deadline is January 10 for spring 2023 and July 1 for fall 2023.

To speak with Student Services about registering for classes, please call 870-584-4471 or email studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome. UA Cossatot campus hours for De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

There is still time to apply for medical programs, too. If all program requirements are met by March 1st, students are eligible to apply. All prereqs must be completed or in progress during the spring semester. The program applications and TEAS score must be completed by March 1st. Please review the program requirements for each program at www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education. For medical program questions, please contact 870-584-1211 or email ccooper@cccua.edu, rservante@cccua.edu, or mfoster@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts are also gearing up this semester. They play a pair of home games this Thursday, January 5th, at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. At 5 PM, the Lady Colts go head-to-head against Dallas Christian College. Then, at 7 PM, the Colts close out the night versus RA Prep. Contact Athletic Director and Head Coach Stan Asumnu for free season pocket schedules at 870-584-1145 or sasumnu@cccua.edu. ###

Severe weather threat in Arkansas on Monday, January 2nd

The new year will be accompanied by the risk for severe weather around the state, with severe thunderstorms possible on Monday, January 2nd. An enhanced risk encompasses much of central, southern and western Arkansas. Damaging wind gusts and tornadoes appear to be the main concerns Monday.

National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR

https://www.weather.gov/lzk/

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As we approach a new year, with new goals for the next legislative session, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress made in 2022. 

In 2022, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a historic tax cut, increased pay for law enforcement officers, and directed millions in surplus funds to improve safety in Arkansas schools.  

In an Extraordinary Session held in August of this year, the General Assembly passed Act 1 and Act 2. Those acts are identical pieces of legislation that reduced the income tax to 4.9% and made that rate retroactive to January 1, 2022. The legislation also lowers corporate income taxes from 5.9% to 5.3% on January 1, 2023. In addition, it aligns Arkansas law with the federal depreciation schedule which will provide relief for business owners by accelerating the depreciation of their assets and allowing for an easier calculation of their tax bill.

Act 1 and Act 2 also grant a nonrefundable income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers with income up to $87,000 and $300 to couples filing jointly with income up to $174,000. 

In this special session, the General Assembly also passed Act 3. This act set aside $50 million from the revenue surplus for the purpose of funding a school safety grant program.  

In March of 2022, the 93rd General Assembly convened for the 2022 Fiscal Session. During this session, the General Assembly passed a $6.02 billion budget. The budget outlined a $70 million increase for elementary and secondary education.

The budget also included increases for the DHS Division of Children and Family Services, county jail reimbursements, and state police. 

The General Assembly also directed one-time surplus funds to be used for prison expansion and one-time stipends for law enforcement officers. 

The majority of House members will return for the 94th General Assembly. There will be 26 new members. The 94th General Assembly will include 82 Republicans and 18 Democrats. There will be 26 women and 74 men. 

The 94th General Assembly will convene at noon on January 9. On the first day of the session, all members will be sworn into office. House members will then formally elect the Speaker of the House. The Speaker will then make remarks and announce the chairs for House committees. On the second day of the session, the House and Senate will convene for a Joint Session. On this day, all constitutional officers will be sworn into office and the newly elected Governor will make her first address as Governor. 

The House streams all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Earlier this month, many of us gathered in the Old Supreme Court Chamber at our Capitol to celebrate Christmas with some of the children currently in our state’s foster care system. This is an annual event that distributes thousands of gifts and brings countless smiles.

Our goal as a state is to make sure these children have the best care available year-round. At the end of the State Fiscal Year 2022, there were 4,524 Arkansas children in foster care. That is a decrease of 7% from the previous year.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed Act 574 which directed the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on Children and Youth to conduct a study of the best practices for reducing the number of children in foster care. That study was conducted and the final report was submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council this month.

The study included an assessment of the number of children in foster care, an examination of the state’s current practices and policies aimed at reducing the number of children in foster care, an examination of the methods other states use, and the formulation of a plan for the state to implement to reduce or eliminate the number of children in foster care.

The reports details staffing challenges in the most recent years presented by the health emergency. But despite those challenges, the DHS Division of Children and Family Services has continued to implement a variety of strategies to reduce the number of children in foster care. Those strategies include incentive programs to recruit and retain quality staff and prevention programs focused on in-home services.

The reports also note that DCFS staff have worked hard over the last several years to ensure children are placed with relatives and fictive kin when safe and appropriate. Close to 41% of children were placed with relatives statewide as of September 30, 2021, as compared to the 28.1% of children who were placed with relatives statewide as of March 30, 2019. Children whose first placement was with a relative or fictive kin have consistently shown to have more placement stability, fewer instances of maltreatment while in foster care, and have achieved permanency more quickly than their counterparts.

This report will help guide members when considering legislation in the 2023 Regular Session. We’ve posted the study on our website arkansashouse.org.