The Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project provides funding for qualifying individuals to complete online training at no cost in order to meet workforce needs across the state. 

The U.S. Department of Education awarded a grant worth over $13 million to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services to fund the Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project. This state-wide coordinated effort is intended to benefit Arkansans who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Project partners include: Department of Workforce Services, Shorter College, U of A Global Campus, and iDatafy LLC.

Successful completion of these training programs will help Arkansans return to or thrive in the Post-pandemic era workplace.

Who Should Apply 
-Arkansas residents (or residents of a neighboring state that work in Arkansas)
-Persons 18 years of age or older
-If male, registered for selective service (if you are not registered, you can register here before applying) or exempt
-Eligible to work in the US
-Economically impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
-Persons formerly incarcerated
-Receiving government assistance
-Persons who are unemployed, underemployed, new to the workforce a member of an underrepresented population,
reside in rural areas.

Course Registration Process 
1: Submit Your Application
2: Reimagine Office Staff will contact you for document verification (See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS)
3: Documents are submitted
4: Contacted by Eligibility Specialist or Program Director for course selection
5: Course start date provided

Once you have completed the application, a representative from the Reimagine Office Staff will contact and request the required documents to determine eligibility.  Upon verification of eligibility, the Eligibility Specialist or Program Director will make contact for program selection.

Completion of the Program 

You will receive a Certificate of Completion from your specified certification area.  Participants will have the opportunity to create a free certified SmartResume® via the company iDatafy, LLC.  iDatafy, LLC is an online service based in Arkansas that allows employers to verify and hire new job talent based upon job skills matching.  Employers can search the vast network and identify new skills and education gained by participants.

Required Documents 
-Documents to confirm residency, age, Selective Service registration, and eligibility to work in the US:
 --Driver’s License, or other State ID
 --Other proof of address that confirms your Arkansas residency (if different from ID)
 --Birth Certificate
 --Social Security Card (must be signed)
 --Selective Service Verification (for males born before 1960)
 --Alien Certification Card
 --INS Form
 --Letter from employer regarding lay off or organization closure, if applicable
-Regular access to a computer with Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS, and a minimum of 8GB RAM.
-Reliable internet access.

Some training programs may require additional software. Further information will be provided once you have been qualified for funding and identify the training program you wish to complete. 

Finally, participants will receive information regarding further training programs or degree programs offered by the University of Arkansas and Shorter College. If you are interested in training programs offered by the University of Arkansas, please visit the website for the Reimagine Arkansas Workforce Project at the University of Arkansas.