May 15, 2008

East Arkansas Community College-Forrest City
Press Release-Photo Attached

This semester, four area high school students have reached a major milestone by graduating from high school and simultaneously receiving Certificates of Proficiency from East Arkansas Community College. 

The students participated in training from the Eastark Secondary Career Center located at EACC during their junior and senior years of high school.  “EACC and the Eastark Secondary Career Center are proud to have been able to provide the opportunity for these students to begin their college studies and prepare for their respective careers,” said Dr. Jeff Watson, EACC Vice President for Academic Affairs.  “These students’ accomplishments are the product of the wonderful collaboration between EACC and area high schools.  I congratulate these students on a job well done, and I look forward to helping other motivated students match this achievement.”

With guidance from their high school and ESCC staff, 11th and 12th grade students select a technical curriculum based upon aptitude and personal interests. The process helps prepare them for the real world of work, and will teach the students marketable skills that can lead to professional certifications and give them “a leg up” before and after high school graduation. Ashiya Hicks serves as the Secondary Career Center’s Director.

Students enrolled in the program attend afternoon classes Monday-Friday at EACC and may receive credit for high school and college (also known as concurrent credit). Hours earned for college credit count toward a degree, certificate or advanced certification program. Local high school districts provide transportation for the student’s convenience.

Seven local high schools are currently participating in the innovative career center: Forrest City High School, Brinkley High School, Cross County High School, Lee County High School, Palestine/Wheatley High School, Wynne High School and Hughes High School. Students will have a number of popular fields of study as options in the program-Criminal Justice, Hospitality-Tourism/Lodging, Medical Professions Education, Web Page Design and Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

If you would like to receive more information about the ESCC program, contact Ashiya Hicks at 870-633-4480 ext. 344.

Photo from left:
Students receiving Certificates of Proficiency at EACC through the Eastark Secondary Career Center are Shera McGraw of Forrest City in Hospitality-Tourism/Lodging, Keochia Carter of Forrest City in Hospitality-Tourism/Lodging, Brittany Anderson of Forrest City in Medical Professions, and Brittany Wilson of Forrest City in Medical Professions.