How a dietary limitation inspired one Northwest Arkansas baker to feed her community

Sandi 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.”

Pastry 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.

The expansion of apprenticeship programs has solid support among employers and young adults

The H.I.R.E.D. program pairs students with career coaches to identify their passions and skills – then opens opportunities for them to pursue their goals

North of Green Bay, Wisconsin, local students are gaining the skills and credentials that help their community thrive

As students and schools continue to recover from the pandemic, families want their children to have more education choices and pathways

In Northwest Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation is supporting workforce development that promotes inclusive growth and fills employers’ needs

Learn how local companies and nonprofits are creating innovative training programs that fill workforce needs and help residents find higher-wage careers.

In Northwest Arkansas, local workforce development organizations are building pathways for underserved residents to better-paying careers

A new study finds diverse, community-level friendships can help low-income children become upwardly mobile

An online curriculum helps young people launch and run their own businesses

Through WeThrive Education, Daquan Oliver is providing underserved teens a pathway to economic opportunity and career success.

Upskill NWA provides tuition funding, childcare and transportation to help workers transition from low-paying jobs into high-demand, higher-paying careers

How skills-based pathways to careers can create more pluralistic opportunities for students to succeed

In his new book, “The Opportunity to Rise,” Bruno V. Manno shares his “rational optimism” about the future of K-12 education in America