The Academies of Central Arkansas announced on September 4, 2024 the establishment of the FAB&T Academy of Service, Sales and Marketing at Jacksonville High School. This partnership between First Arkansas Bank & Trust (FAB&T), Jacksonville High School and the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is core to the foundation and successful implementation of the Academies model of teaching and learning in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.
Scholars in the FAB&T Academy of Service, Sales and Marketing will benefit greatly from this partnership, by having access to extended learning opportunities during their high school careers at Jacksonville High School.
Working with leaders from FAB&T, scholars in freshman seminar will have several opportunities to immerse themselves in true career exploration. Scholars will hear from industry experts and participate in the annual career exposure event, where FAB&T, along with several other central Arkansas employers, will be participating in the hands-on event for all ninth graders.
Beginning this school year, scholars in the FAB&T Academy of Service, Sales, and Marketing will engage in several real-world experiences because of this partnership. Scholars will take industry field trips, participate in job shadowing, have access to career mentoring, and have access to potential internship opportunities. As scholars near graduation, they will have the opportunity to earn concurrent college credit and industry recognized credentials. Graduating senior scholars will also work with the faculty at Jacksonville High School and the team from FAB&T to complete a capstone project, showcasing their learning from their academy enrollment.
Larry Wilson, Chairman and CEO of FAB&T had this to say about the partnership, "We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to add our brand to the impressive list of partners currently within the Academies program at Jacksonville High School. We have a deep history with JHS, and we have been committed since our founding with resources both financial and physical. To be able to teach young people about the skills needed to compete in the workplace and be career-ready means so much to us. I hope the scholars gain as much from us as we will from them."
The Academies of Central Arkansas is a joint initiative of the four public school districts across Pulaski County and the regional business community. In 2019, the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts, together with the five Pulaski County chambers of commerce, and business and civic leaders, began implementing high school academies within all public high schools in the county, serving all students.
“Partnering with First Arkansas Bank & Trust to create the Academy of Service, Sales, and Marketing at Jacksonville High School is a pivotal step in equipping our students with the essential skills they need in today’s competitive landscape" says Little Rock Regional Chamber President & CEO Jay Chesshir. "Service, sales, and marketing are the backbone of any thriving business, and by immersing students in these fields, we’re fostering critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that will serve them well in any career path they choose. This partnership not only enriches their educational experience but also strengthens our community’s economic future.”
Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent for Jacksonville North Pulaski School District said, "Our partnership with First Arkansas Bank & Trust marks an exciting opportunity to enrich our career programs at Jacksonville High School. This collaboration will introduce our scholars to critical financial literacy concepts while also providing them with insights into sales and marketing. Together with FAB&T, we are fostering a culture of financial responsibility and service-based learning that will benefit our scholars and our community for years to come."
Full implementation of the Academies of Central Arkansas is currently underway at Jacksonville High School. While full implementation for all other public high schools in Pulaski County is set to be achieved in the 2025-2026 school year, once fully implemented, this educational approach will help transform high schools for all students within the four school districts. The Little Rock Regional Chamber is still actively recruiting business partners for all Academy high schools. Businesses interested in getting more information can reach out to the chamber directly or visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.