Talent Development Programs

The Jr. Leadership program introduces 11th grade students to the organizations that help keep our community thriving.  It expands their awareness of career opportunities, encourages civic engagement, and inspires them to invest in Jonesboro's future.  The program aims to retain local talent by encouraging students to remain in or return to Jonesboro after completing their education, contributing through service and leadership.  Each class includes 25-30 students.

Emerging Leaders is an in-depth mentorship program that introduces 15 young community leaders to crucial leadership perspectives in both business and economic development.  In addition, program members undergo additional leadership assessments and training that ensure their growth for years to come.

Get to Know Jonesboro is our program for newly-relocated employees to make connections and learn about their new home.  This program features a day of fun and education about things that are uniquely Jonesboro.  It meets in the spring and fall, but we have also added a program for interns who are in Jonesboro for the summer.

The best teachers don't solely teach from the textbook, but from their own learned experiences!

TekStarz Educator Externship drops local educators into the heart of Jonesboro's manufacturing sector, where they get their hands dirty and ideas flowing as they explore the STEM careers that could await their students in the future.

A framework of teamwork, Growing Talent Together unites local employers and educators to develop an understanding of the future needs of regional employers.

The Student Recognition Program honors one student from each grade in every area elementary school, celebrating their growth, positive choices, and strong character.  The goal is to empower students by reinforcing their efforts and demonstrating the support of Jonesboro's business community.  While schools select the recipients, a local business representative presents the award.  Recognizing improvement and conduct, this program highlights the dedication of students whose hard work might otherwise go unnoticed.  Each year, approximately 86 students are recognized.

The Arkansas Scholars program, led locally by the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee, encourages students to stay in school, develop strong study habits, and explore educational opportunities beyond high school.  Before the pandemic, the program reached approximately 2,200 students and local business leaders delivered in-person classroom presentations.  Now, the program is evolving into a digital resource library to better support students and educators.  To date, the Workforce Development Committee has produced three videos featuring Jonesboro HR professionals discussing key topics:

1. Social Media
2. Your First Interview
3. What Not to Do

These videos can be used independently or paired with in-person visits from business professionals who share real-world experiences and success strategies.  Now, these resources are available to all educators in Craighead County (and beyond) and are actively developing additional videos to highlight career paths, training opportunities, and essential workplace do's and don'ts.  

In addition, there are several videos that offer information to students about jobs/careers available, what employers want students to ask them in an interview, and students who describe what they are looking for in a career.

A local program designed to create an interest in entrepreneurship in Jonesboro-area high school students.

Leadership Jonesboro is designed to identify, educate, and motivate potential leaders to become involved in the future of our community.  Participants are challenged by speakers from many sectors to make a personal commitment to become part of the rich leadership pool, which has made Jonesboro’s quality of life what it is today.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Manufacturing Solutions (AEDC-MS) is affiliated with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides services to maximize manufacturers' enterprise value.  Arkansas Economic Development Commission Manufacturing Solutions (AEDC-MS) was established in 1995 and is a program of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. 

Jonesboro Young Professionals Network (JYPN) is an organization designed to create networking opportunities, provide professional development, support community involvement/service and promote an overall investment in the future of Jonesboro, Arkansas.  JYPN is an association for professionals who are 21-39 years of age and employees of businesses that are members of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Delta Center for Economic Development coordinates the economic development outreach services of A-State and works to provide a comprehensive approach to serving businesses, governments, and citizens of Arkansas.  Services include customized training and support for area businesses, existing organizations, and entrepreneurs.