Release Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001
Northark To Start Area High School Technical Center
North Arkansas College has been approved for $150,000 in funding from the
Arkansas Department of Workforce Education for equipment to be used in a new
program enabling area high school students to earn college credit classes in
technical fields at a secondary technical center on the college's North Campus
in Harrison.
Starting in the fall of 2001, the Northark Technical Center (NTC) will serve
juniors and seniors in a seven-county area including Baxter, Boone, Carroll,
Marion, Madison, Newton and Searcy. The center's curriculum provides students
with hands-on training in technical fields including automotive technology, auto
body repair, general construction/carpentry, electronics technology, machine
tool technology, health occupations, and welding.
Services are provided at no cost to the students. Books, tuition and fees are
provided through the center and funded by a training fee paid by the local
school districts and by the fund provided by the state Department of
Workforce Education.
Students must qualify for the courses by maintaining a 2.0 grade point average
or above and pass the ACT or Compass test.
Enrolling students will attend Northark from 1-4 p.m. daily for five days a week
and finish their NTC program with as many as 30 college credit hours toward a
higher degree or two-year certification.
Students and parents who may have an interest in these programs should contact
their local school district for more information or attend an open house at 6
p.m. Thursday, April 5 on Northark's North Campus. Parents and
students will be able to meet with instructors, staff, former students, and
representatives of area businesses and industries.
For more information, telephone North Arkansas College Technology Division
Chairman Joe Blair at 870-391-3513 or e-mail jblair@northark.cc.ar.us.