North Central Arkansas Students Explore Technical Careers at ASUMH Draft Day

Hundreds of high schoolers get hands-on experience with local employers in construction, manufacturing, and more.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:30pm

Approximately 300 students from 14 North Arkansas high schools will participate in the North Central Draft Day event on Thursday at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. The event, hosted by the Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas organization, will feature a Career Expo with 28 local employers across industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities, as well as dedicated interview sessions for graduating seniors to meet with potential employers.

Why it matters

The North Central Draft Day aims to expose students to technical career paths and connect them directly with job opportunities in the region, helping address workforce development needs in high-demand industries.

The details

During the event, students will have the chance to explore hands-on career exploration activities with the 28 participating employers. Graduating seniors will also be able to participate in real hiring interviews with local companies, giving them valuable real-world experience.

  • The North Central Draft Day will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas

A nonprofit organization that works to promote technical careers and connect students with employers in Arkansas.

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

The host venue for the North Central Draft Day event.

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What’s next

After the event, organizers will follow up with participating students and employers to assess the impact and explore ways to expand the program in the future.

The takeaway

The North Central Draft Day is an innovative approach to addressing workforce development needs in Arkansas, providing students with hands-on exposure to technical careers and direct connections to local employers.