Hometown roots. Statewide impact.
We are grounded in the communities we serve. Each college campus is a vital anchor in its hometown, providing accessible education and essential workforce training. Together, we reach across every corner of the state - connecting students to careers, workers to skills, and communities to opportunity. Through this comprehensive approach, we create pathways to success for all Arkansans.
Who We Are:
61,744
Total number of students served annually by Arkansas community colleges
82.5% of community college students are enrolled in College Credit courses, while 17.5% are enrolled in Noncredit Professional Skills Training.
Early College Access for High School Students:
56% increase in high school enrollment over the past 5 years
Programs include:
• Engineering
• Health Professions
• Construction
• Mechanics
Professional Skills Training:
10,841
students enrolled
21,260 college credentials awarded in 2024
Short-term
college credentials are
on the RISE.
Short-term credentials are growing rapidly, providing students with faster, affordable pathways into high-demand careers. These programs respond directly to workforce needs, allowing learners to gain job-ready skills in months - not years - while supporting career advancement and economic mobility.
+17.2% higher college graduation rates when high school students participate in concurrent college credit.
Every year, 100,000+ Arkansans’ lives are enriched
Arkansas community colleges are hubs where residents gather for arts and entertainment, athletic events, and cultural celebrations. They are often the largest employer in their region, providing stable, professional jobs that support local economic development.
We Drive Workforce Development:
Accessible, high-quality education and career training aligned with employer needs
Local Workforce Training:
Community colleges are deeply rooted in local workforce needs and the success of their communities. They work closely with employers and economic development leaders to design training programs that align with local needs, providing Arkansans with essential adult education, short-term training, industry certifications, and customized incumbent worker training.
Youth College & Career Prep:
Community colleges serve as a vital bridge from high school to college and employment for young people in Arkansas. Early college programs, concurrent credit, and CTE courses provide opportunities for high school students to complete college-level credentials and high school diplomas simultaneously, fast-tracking college completion and career readiness.
A few of our Workforce Initiatives:
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Arkansas Fiber Academy
Funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, ACC and four community colleges are collaborating with broadband industry leaders to train aerial linemen, underground drilling techs, communication tower techs, fiber optic techs, and fiber network engineers. Through this initiative, Arkansas is firmly on track to eliminate the digital divide by 2030.
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BRIDGE-AR
Bridging Healthcare Workforce Shortages in Arkansas (BRIDGE-AR) is funded through the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College using federal USDOL dollars, and allows ACC and six community colleges to collaborate to improve pathways for students pursuing nursing and EMT careers. Healthcare industry leaders provide guidance on aligning curriculum with employer needs. State and community service providers advise on leveraging resources to meet student basic needs.
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Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative (CPI)
Funded through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education using federal TANF dollars to all 22 community colleges, CPI empowers low-income parents to complete credentials that lead directly to the workforce. This program provides case management, career advising, and financial support for costs such as books, child care, and transportation. CPI is nationally recognized for its multi-agency collaboration and innovative approach to using TANF dollars to promote family stability through employment.
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HIRED
Higher Industry Readiness through Education Development (HIRED) is funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education using federal ARPA dollars, and allows 15 community colleges to develop training programs directly aligned with State economic development priorities and local workforce needs. Funds support costs associated with training for careers in advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, skilled trades, energy efficiency and utilities, food and steel, aerospace and defense, and emerging technologies.
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ALIGN
Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) is funded through the Arkansas Office of Skills Development using federal ARPA dollars, and allows five community colleges to upskill nursing professionals, expand nursing apprenticeship programs, and increase nurse educator recruitment and retention.
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Arkansas College and Career Coach Program
Funded through the Arkansas Department of Education, community colleges are partnering with local school districts to provide students in 7th through 12th grade with tutoring, career coaching, and guidance on college preparation and financial aid.
Uniting stakeholders to maximize our economic and social impact
We Forge Connections:
We partner with higher education, university systems, and national community college associations to promote student success and institutional excellence.
“Community colleges serve as essential regional anchors by responding directly to local workforce needs, economic conditions, and demographic realities. Their comprehensive mission includes workforce and economic development, adult education, preparing students for 4-year universities, and civic engagement that enriches community life beyond the classroom. This locally-rooted approach makes community colleges uniquely positioned to strengthen communities in every corner of Arkansas.”
We collaborate with state workforce agencies and industry associations to align training programs with employer needs.
“Community colleges are an essential component of Arkansas’ workforce ecosystem. When a manufacturer needs skilled technicians, a hospital needs nurses, or a tech company needs cybersecurity professionals, community colleges deliver qualified candidates fast. That responsiveness isn’t just good for business—it’s transformative for individuals who can earn a family-sustaining wage in months, not years.”
We leverage nonprofit partners and national networks to identify and mitigate barriers to student success.
“Arkansas community colleges offer students far more than a path to a credential; they provide an environment where students are known, supported, and challenged to grow. Students gain rich academic and leadership experiences, surrounded by faculty and staff who are deeply invested in their success. These colleges don’t just prepare students for what comes next; they help them discover what’s possible.”
We Empower Professionals:
Investing in college employees
Annual Conference:
Since 1989, ACC has hosted the state’s only comprehensive community college conference. More than 500 administrators, faculty, and staff attend annually to collaborate on topics such as leadership, teaching, student success, and workforce development.
ACC Leadership Institute:
Since 2008, ACC has prepared 425 community college professionals for advanced leadership positions. Many graduates are now key college administrators, including 13 current Presidents and Chancellors.
“The ACC Leadership Institute fundamentally shaped how I see my role as an educator and leader. The state and national policy context, the leadership skills, and the network of peers who challenged and supported me became the foundation upon which I’ve built my presidency. Every difficult decision, every moment of institutional change, every conversation with faculty, staff, and students is informed by what I learned during those transformative months.”
Student Leadership Academy:
Since 2014, ACC has provided leadership training to over 600 community college students in Arkansas.
Peer Networking:
ACC facilitates the sharing of best practices and resources among community college professionals. Networking groups include academics, student services, finance, workforce, and marketing/advancement.
Where We Are:
22 community colleges offering multiple service locations to serve every corner of the State.
Contact Us
Address
721 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Email
info@arkansascc.org
Phone
+1 (501) 371 0404