Editor’s Note: Artificial intelligence software was used to assist in compiling this report.
The Connect 4 Advisory Board moved forward with several initiatives during its Sept. 10 meeting, including new student job opportunities, major technology upgrades and the creation of a nonprofit organization to expand access to funding for adult training programs.
Board president Rodney Ellis called the session to order with members reviewing student enrollment figures and program updates. The fall 2025 semester began with 94 students enrolled across the Eureka Springs, Berryville and Green Forest districts. Enrollment in one class was capped at 32 because of space and safety concerns. The program continues to attract returning families, with 10 siblings of past students enrolled this year, including two families sending their third child through the program.
The board reviewed student outcomes for the previous academic year. Forty-four students graduated in spring 2025, with many moving into employment at regional companies such as Tyson, Barrows Excavating and Emery Sapp & Sons, or pursuing technical training at North Arkansas College, Arkansas Tech and other institutions.
Members also discussed the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) pre-apprenticeship initiative, which will allow participants to earn apprenticeship hours while attending Connect 4. Local industries have committed to opening internships and apprenticeships for students in fields such as maintenance, wastewater, and HVAC.
In an effort to give students practical experience, the board voted unanimously to hire two participants as part-time employees at the training center. The jobs will provide two hours of work twice a week at $12.50 per hour. Leaders said the experience would strengthen student résumés and mirror similar programs that place underage students in safe work settings across school districts.
Financial updates showed the program has benefited from grants and short-term training revenue. Recent funding included $12,000 from a HAAS grant, more than $25,000 from summer industry classes, and $750 from commercial driver training. Future income could include $18,000 from dump truck training and as much as $250,000 from the state Office of Skills Development. U.S. Rep. Steve Womack has also indicated potential support ranging from $2.5 to $3 million for a new workforce training center.
The board approved technology and infrastructure projects to strengthen operations. A new server costing just over $9,500 was approved to replace aging equipment and provide service to both Connect 4 and the Connect 4 Workforce Center. In addition, a bid from Barrows Excavation was approved to run conduit between facilities, allowing shared resources and room for future expansion.
To better position the program for grants and Pell funding, the board voted to establish a nonprofit entity for the adult workforce training side. Officials said this step will ensure a clear distinction between high school programs and adult education, making it easier to access state and federal dollars while continuing to use the same advisory board for oversight.
Architects from Modus Studios presented draft layouts for the proposed training center, which could be supported by Rep. Womack’s workforce initiative. Plans envision a facility that would serve the broader community and surrounding areas. The project is expected to require millions in federal investment but could create a lasting workforce hub for Carroll County.
The meeting closed with unanimous votes on all action items and optimism about the program’s continued growth and impact.
