rootEd Capitol Day connects students with state leaders to gain first-hand experience in policymaking, leadership and career opportunities

Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas State Legislature honored rootEd Arkansas students and their advisors from the House Floor last Wednesday, recognizing their achievements in helping rural students plan for successful futures. rootEd Arkansas—a public-private partnership led by Heartland Forward, rootEd Alliance and the Arkansas Department of Education—trains and places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools, ensuring students have the support they need to pursue college degrees, career credentials or military service.

Nearly half of Arkansas’s schools are in rural communities, where students often lack access to dedicated college and career guidance. Through rootEd Arkansas, the state is helping to close this gap by providing one-on-one support to students, leading to higher college enrollment, increased Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and stronger career readiness across the state. Since launching in September 2024, rootEd Arkansas has driven measurable impact for rural students across the state—98% of participating students have developed a clear postsecondary plan.

During a floor session of the Arkansas House of Representatives, Rep. Lee Johnson (R-Greenwood), co-chair of the Heartland Health Caucus, acknowledged the students and advisors seated in the gallery and celebrated rootEd Arkansas for preparing and equipping the next generation of Arkansans for success.

“Far too many rural students lack the guidance and resources they need to confidently plan for their futures,” said Rep. Lee Johnson. “The rootEd Arkansas program is filling this critical gap by ensuring students in rural communities have access to college and career advising. This recognition is a testament to the impact of rootEd advisors and the success of students across Arkansas. We must continue investing in these opportunities to strengthen our workforce and economic future.”

“A well-prepared workforce is vital to Arkansas’s economy, so when our students succeed, we all benefit,” said Angie Cooper, president & COO of Heartland Forward. “Through rootEd Arkansas, we are ensuring rural students have the resources to confidently pursue their goals, and rootEd Capitol Day gives them the chance to engage directly with state leaders and learn how their skills can make an impact in their communities.” 

“We are honored that Arkansas has recognized the critical support rootEd advisors provide to rural students and communities,” said Noa Meyer, Board Chair of rootEd Alliance. “Together with Heartland Forward, school districts, local employers, higher education institutions, and the state, we are committed to ensuring students have the skills to thrive in the workforce and that the future is bright for Arkansas’s rural communities.”

rootEd Capitol Day: A Hands-On Learning Experience
The recognition by Arkansas State Legislature occurred during rootEd Capitol Day—a first-of-its-kind event giving rural students the opportunity to meet state leaders, explore career paths and learn how policymaking shapes their futures.

During the event, students:

• Met with legislators to discuss career pathways and policy solutions that support rural workforce development.
• Toured the Capitol and participated in a roundtable discussion on broadband, health care and education policy—key drivers of Arkansas’s economic future.

Expanding Postsecondary Success for Rural Students

rootEd Alliance is raising the likelihood that students will pursue education and career training. As a result of rootEd, 29% more high school students in rootEd high schools are pursuing college and career training, including apprenticeships. Nationally, rootEd Alliance has seen a 27% increase in FAFSA completion and a 10% rise in college enrollment, despite a 6% national decline in rural postsecondary enrollment.

The initiative builds on Heartland Forward’s broader commitment to building the talent pipeline across the heartland by strengthening education and workforce development as a driver of long-term economic growth. Through its Connecting the Heartland Initiative, Heartland Forward also works to expand broadband internet availability, affordability and adoption rates for participation in online services that are key to economic opportunity.

For more information on Heartland Forward and its work to build thriving, resilient communities across the American heartland, please visit www.heartlandforward.org. 

About Heartland Forward: 
Heartland Forward is a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to being a resource for states and local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address the needs of the heartland – all while helping to change the narrative about the middle of the country and kick-starting economic growth.

About rootEd Alliance:
Every student should graduate high school on a path to a well-paying job and economic stability. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with all seniors to define and create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, work-based learning, or military service. Launched in 2018 and now operating in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Alaska, and Idaho, rootEd advisors currently serve over 20,000 students at more than 200 rural high schools. This approach is working: as a result of rootEd, 29% more high school students are pursuing college and career training following graduation. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists and family and founder-led businesses, convened by BDT & MSD Partners. For more information, please visit: https://rootEdAlliance.org.