Join us for a professional development experience designed to connect educators directly with local industries and career pathways. Partnering for this professional development are Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, Arkansas STEM Coalition, and Economics Arkansas.

Connecting Educators to Industry gives teachers a behind-the-scenes look at regional employers through industry panels and guided tours, helping participants better understand workforce needs, in-demand skills, and real-world career opportunities for students. This PD will focus on the advanced energy industry.

During this hands-on day, educators will hear from industry leaders, explore workplaces firsthand, and collaborate with peers to translate these experiences into meaningful classroom connections. Participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating career awareness into instruction, strengthening school-to-work connections, and helping students see how learning today leads to opportunities tomorrow.

Upon successful completion, Arkansas educators under contract for the 2026-2027 school year will receive:

6 hours of professional development credit

$50 stipend

Ready to use resources

Lunch and snacks