Creating Pathways to Promising Careers
The Walton Family Foundation is committed to supporting career pathways programs built for the needs of Northwest Arkansas. We believe deep collaboration between local employers, schools and career training programs is key to building and sustaining a thriving workforce in the region.
Opening New Career Pathways in Northwest Arkansas
Learn how local companies and nonprofits are creating innovative training programs that fill workforce needs and help residents find higher-wage careers.
Meeting Demand for Career and Technical Education in Northwest Arkansas
Click on the graphics to read research on the state of Career and Technical Education in Northwest Arkansas
Career Success Stories from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food
Read and watch how food entrepreneurs Sandi Macklom and Ana Sáenz launched successful businesses after studying at the renowned institution in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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December 17, 2024How a dietary limitation inspired one Northwest Arkansas baker to feed her community -
December 17, 2024At a Northwest Arkansas culinary hub, one resident creates a pathway to a fulfilling new career
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December 10, 2024Sandi Macklom built a gluten-free baking business after career training at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville, Arkansas. “I’m so lucky to do what I love every single day of my life," Sandi says. "There is no better feeling in the world.” -
December 10, 2024Pastry chef Ana Sáenz launched her business, The Magical Spatula, after studying at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville, Arkansas. While there, Ana gained critical training in culinary nutrition, artisanal food, beverage management and food entrepreneurship. “Brightwater brought so much value to my career. You really learn what food is all about,” Ana says.
Businesses deserve a deep pool of local talent that meets evolving workforce needs. And residents deserve the opportunity to get the skills and credentials that lead to a fulfilling and secure life for themselves and their families.
Yee-Lin Lai, Senior Program Officer, Home Region Program
Related Stories and Research
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January 24, 2024High-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs lead to regional advancement and economic mobility when they align with regional economic needs and provide K-12 students the knowledge, skills and credentials they need for postsecondary success. -
December 6, 2022In Northwest Arkansas, local workforce development organizations are building pathways for underserved residents to better-paying careers -
January 9, 2023In Northwest Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation is supporting workforce development that promotes inclusive growth and fills employers’ needs