PRESS RELEASE: Heartland Forward Launches rootEd Arkansas to Drive Economic Growth Through Rural Education and Workforce Development

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New public-private partnership brings college and career advisors to rural high schools in Arkansas

Bentonville, Ark. – Today, Heartland Forward – a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to being a resource for states and communities in the middle of the country – launched rootEd Arkansas, at eight school districts in Arkansas. The program is a public-private partnership aimed at ensuring rural students in Arkansas graduate high school prepared for successful careers and economic stability. This initiative, in collaboration with the national nonprofit rootEd Alliance and with support from the Arkansas Department of Education, places dedicated college and career advisors in rural schools to guide students through their postsecondary options.

Almost half of Arkansas’ schools are rural, according to a 2023 study by the National Rural Education Association. High schools piloting the program during the 2024-25 school year include Green Forest, Charleston, Mammoth Spring, Magazine, Jasper, Kingston, Oark, Dover, Marshall and Ozark Mountain. The rootEd advisors, hired from these local communities, work with students to define and plan their futures after high school, whether through college/university, apprenticeships and credentials or military service. Advisors guide students through every step, including job fairs, career planning, skills building and financial aid.

“rootEd Arkansas will change the lives of rural students across the state,” said Angie Cooper, Executive Vice President at Heartland Forward. “At Heartland Forward, we’re proud to support an initiative that provides students with the resources and guidance they need to succeed and build great futures. This program guides students toward the best postsecondary pathways for their unique interests and talents. We’re excited to see the incredible opportunities it will unlock for Arkansas’s young people.”

Since its inception, the rootEd advising model has significantly improved outcomes for rural students across the country. Nationally, 82% of students involved in rootEd are on track for successful careers, compared to 41% of all rural working 21- to 24-year-olds. The initiative also increased Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion by 27% and college enrollment by 10% in participating areas, even as national rural enrollment rates declined by 6% over the same period.

“Bringing the rootEd model to Arkansas means giving rural students the guidance they need at every crucial step—whether it’s navigating career fairs, building essential skills, or securing financial aid. With this tailored support, we’re confident that Arkansas’s students will thrive, just as we’ve seen in other states,” said Ali Jeffrey, Director of rootEd Arkansas. “This partnership with Heartland Forward and the Arkansas Department of Education will ensure that more students have the opportunity to explore their potential and pursue the path that best suits their aspirations.”

“This fall, the Arkansas Department of Education is excited to partner with rootEd Arkansas to bring its innovative career advisor program to eight additional districts. This model introduces valuable new resources and builds on the department’s existing career coach model, which serves 120 school districts across the state,” said Ross White, director of the Division of Career and Technical Education at the Arkansas Department of Education. “Together, we are committed to providing students with the guidance and support they need to explore meaningful career pathways and contribute to Arkansas’ sustained economic growth.”

“The path after high school graduation is pivotal for students as they lay the groundwork for their future career success– a daunting responsibility that involves many complex choices and processes. This is where rootEd’s proven model comes in, with dedicated advisors providing time and expertise to help students understand the breadth of their opportunities and turn their ideas into concrete plans,” said Noa Meyer, board chair for rootEd Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with Heartland Forward and Arkansas Department of Education to help Arkansas students create and realize their plans for their futures.”

Heartland Forward is committed to supporting education and workforce development in growing rural economies. Their Connecting the Heartland Initiative boosts broadband internet availability, affordability and adoption rates for participation in online services that are key to economic opportunity. As rootEd Arkansas rolls out across the state, the initiative will foster collaborations between educators, workforce leaders and local businesses to ensure that Arkansas’s rural communities thrive both economically and socially.

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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 rural student should graduate high school on a path to achieve career success and economic stability. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work with all students to define and plan their futures, whether through a college degree, career credentials, apprenticeships, or military service. Launched in 2018 and now operating in Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Alaska, and Idaho, rootEd advisors have served 48,000 students across almost 200 high schools. This approach is working: 82% of rootEd students are on track to securing a career that provides a living wage, compared to 41% of all rural working 21-to 24-year-olds currently earning a living wage. 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.