Overview

Heartland Forward is partnering communities, policymakers, education leaders and employers to align existing efforts into practical, employer-aligned skilled trades pathways that reflect real local workforce demand and create clear on ramps into essential careers. Our approach prioritizes hands-on learning, local ownership and direct engagement between education and industry to ensure students understand what careers are available in their communities and how to access them.

This work builds upon rootEd Arkansas, which places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools across the state to work with each student as they define and plan for their futures. Together, these efforts help students connect early to local skilled career opportunities and understand clear pathways into the workforce after graduation.