EMPOWERING SOUTH ARKANSAS
LiTHIUMLEARNS and LiTHIUMWORKS, funded by the Arkansas Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Grant Program, is a new end-to-end talent pipeline platform for the emerging Lithium industry focused on the Southwest Arkansas corridor of the Smackover Formation, a vast underground brine reserve rich with critical minerals. The Venture Center, Southern Arkansas University, and Apprenticely, in partnership with major Lithium producers, are working with local stakeholders to develop educational, workforce, and supply chain programs for SWA school districts, communities, and businesses.
Accelerated Learning &
Career Development
LiTHIUMLEARNS is a collaborative partnership between Southern Arkansas University, workforce development partners The Venture Center and Apprenticely, two-year higher education institutions SAU Tech, South Arkansas College (SouthArk), and University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), Southwest Arkansas (SWA) K-12 school districts, Lithium industry corporations, regional economic developers and chambers of commerce to develop awareness, education, training, professional certification programs, and a network of support services to meet the current and future needs of the emerging Lithium industry investing in the SWA Smackover Formation. LiTHIUMLEARNS will provide on-ramps and off-ramps for incumbent workers who seek to upskill or retool and earn additional credentials. Additionally, the resources and talent pipeline being developed through LiTHIUMLEARNS will benefit the existing chemical industry that has operated in SWA for more than sixty years.
Industry Partnerships & Workforce Development
LiTHIUMWORKS, led by The Venture Center, is a program to help build an end-to-end talent pipeline platform for Lithium employers focused on Southwest Arkansas’ (SWA) communities, schools and businesses. LiTHIUMWORKS’ programs and platform will help the Lithium industry investing in SWA to “Hire Local” and “Buy Local.”
With a design based on the U.S. Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) principles, LiTHIUMWORKS with Lithium industry support will help connect job seekers prepared by LiTHIUMLEARNS to job opportunities offered by Lithium employers. LiTHIUMWORKS will also work with SWA small businesses who are eager to join Lithium producers’ supply chain.
ABOUT LiTHIUM IN ARKANSAS
Located in the heart of South Arkansas, the Smackover Formation holds some of North America's largest lithium reserves. With a pro-business environment, skilled workforce, and supportive policies, Arkansas is the ideal hub for lithium industry success. Click the map below to learn more.
NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
