24A60CC000016

Overview
Lead Applicant Organization Name: University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
Project Title Name and Purpose: Bridging Healthcare Workforce Shortages in Arkansas (BRIDGE-AR)
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC) and its consortium members will develop and implement Bridging Healthcare Workforce Shortages in Arkansas (BRIDGE-AR). BRIDGE-AR is a state-wide career-building partnership that comprises educational institutions, workforce organizations, and employers. Its goal is to align and bridge existing resources and training programs and enhance work-related opportunities to close equity gaps and provide evidence-based pathways to mid- to high-wage careers focusing on nursing and EMT workforce development.

The initiative establishes a statewide healthcare steering committee led by the state healthcare leaders that will use leveraged resources to sustain and scale BRIDGE-AR statewide.
Total Funding Requested: $5,736,624
Type of Applicant: Consortium
Industry Sector(s): Healthcare (EMT and Nursing)
Geographic Area Served: Arkansas
Total Estimated Number of Participants: 1,590

SCC Partnership
Institution Consortium Partners (required for consortium applicants only)
Arkansas State University - Mid-South
East Arkansas Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas College
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (Lead Applicant)
All institutions of higher education consortium partners are two-year institutions
Sector Convener
Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Healthcare Sector
Employer Partners
Healthcare Sector
St. Vincent Sherwood Rehabilitation Hospital
Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services
Northstar Springdale Fire Department
Crestpark Helena
Crestpark Wynne
Crestpark Marianna
Mercy Hospital
Central Emergency Medical Services
Baptist Health Medical Center Stuttgart
Workforce Development System Partner(s)
Arkansas Department of Commerce
Division of Workforce Services - Adult Education
Arkansas Workforce Development Board
Workforce Development Board of Eastern Arkansas
Little Rock Workforce Development Board
Northwest Arkansas Workforce Development Board
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Worker Organization(s)
Arkansas Healthcare Association
Arkansas Hospital Association
Community-Based Organization(s)
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Other Optional Partner(s)
ARData Data Partner

Project Information
Key Equity Gap(s) to be Addressed: The internal data of the six Arkansas two-year institutions demonstrates the need to enhance support systems and remove barriers to advancement opportunities for underserved and underrepresented Black and Hispanic students to enter and succeed in nursing and EMT postsecondary pathways. Through a statewide initiative, BRIDGE-AR will ensure that the skills and credentials for EMT and nursing are equitably obtained by underserved communities, with a focus on Black African American and Hispanic Latino students.

Occupations Targeted for Good Jobs: EMT and Nursing
Career Pathways Programs to be Enhanced: Healthcare (EMT, Nursing)
Industry-Recognized Credential(s) to be Awarded: CNA, EMT, Technical Certificate in Practical Health, Associate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Registered Nursing (RN).
Continued in Attachment 1 - Terms and Conditions, Attachment D - Statement of Work

University Of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MORE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF THE U.S. LABOR MARKET BY PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY JOB TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, OR LABOR MARKET INFORMATION.

17.261 - WIOA Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research Projects

Employment and Training Administration (ETA) [DOL]

Office of Workforce Investment [DOL - ETA]

Arkansas United States

State-Wide

Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (FOA-ETA-23-15)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 04/30/28 to 06/30/28 and the total obligations have increased 5% from $5,736,624 to $6,036,624.