Ozarka College was selected as a 2022 recipient of the Regional Workforce Grant (RWG) program, a workforce development initiative administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Ozarka was awarded $86,500 to support advanced training equipment for Automotive and Diesel Mechanics and Precision Machining programs.

"The Regional Workforce Grant will advance technical education opportunities at Ozarka, " said Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president. "We are collaborating with our industry and community partners to offer life-changing experiences through education. "

Ozarka's Regional Workforce Grant will provide funding for multiple equipment upgrades and add-ons which directly support the training needs for regional employers.  

"For rural economies to remain competitive, education and industry sectors must work together, " said Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement. "Ozarka's selection for the [RWG] this year is a direct result of partnering with local employers to provide industry-informed training, collaborations that ultimately strengthen our regional workforce pipeline. "  

Passed into law in 2015, the Workforce Initiative Act Regional Workforce Grant Program seeks to create a statewide, comprehensive structure enabling students in Arkansas universities, community colleges and secondary centers to participate in career and technical education programs developed with input from area employers.

For more information about Ozarka's Regional Workforce Grant initiative or ways to support Ozarka programs, please contact Dr. Josh Wilson with Ozarka College Advancement at 870.368.2060 or advancement@ozarka.edu.