The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) in cooperation with North Arkansas College (Northark) is sponsoring the annual National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The local ceremony will be held in Pioneer Pavilion on the south campus from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Parents, grandparents, educators, administrators, industry partners and the public are invited to attend to celebrate the student’s commitment to pursue a technical career pathway at Northark.
Signing Day mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college, but instead of athletes, NC3’s Signing Day is designed to honor students who plan to attend Northark and to celebrate the dignity of work.
“This ceremony is one of the highlights of the year,” noted President Dr. Rick Massengale. “By signing incoming students and recognizing their commitment, we’re telling them they have a place in the Northark family and the technical education they receive at Northark will prepare them for a strong career.”
High school students who are members of the Kickstart program will receive cords, certificates or a plaque based on their level of completion of concurrent courses during the ceremony. The Kickstart program began in 2022 to recognize concurrent students who save hundreds of dollars when they complete transferable college courses while in high school.
Together with NC3’s national industry partners, local area business and community leaders along with schools’ own corporate partners participate in Signing Day both to show support and to provide information to students and their families. Students and family members are afforded opportunities to interact with potential future employers and learn more about high-demand jobs available in the area.