Beginning in Fall 2026, LiTHIUMLEARNS plans to facilitate a Concurrent CTE Program in Construction Technology with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), Southern Arkansas University (SAU), and K-12 school district partners across Southwest Arkansas. High school juniors and seniors who demonstrate college readiness are eligible to participate in the program. The academic content will be delivered online by a qualified UAHT instructor during two standard class periods while districts provide an on-site, in-room facilitator. Hands-on learning will be delivered by a qualified instructor in laboratories procured by SAU.
This flipped-model, hybrid approach to teaching and learning removes the barriers of limited time and distance to facilities, enabling rural students to participate in a concurrent CTE program focused on construction technology, leading to workforce readiness for this high-demand, high-wage industry.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
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No cost to students or parents.
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Travel arrangements to and from high schools provided by the consortium if needed.
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Courses will be delivered during the first and second periods.
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Fall courses offered are Basic Carpentry and General Tools and Safety.
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Students must enroll in both courses.
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Students who successfully complete course work will receive college credit from UAHT.
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These course credits are transferable among LiTHIUMLEARNS higher education partners.​
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Additional courses will be offered during Spring 2027.
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Successful completion of all first-year courses in the 2026-2027 academic year will result in students earning a Certificate of Proficiency in Construction Technology.
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Earning a Certificate of Proficiency qualifies students for a High School Diploma of Merit.
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During the 2027-2028 academic year, additional courses will be offered, allowing students who participate in year one to progress through the program, earn additional college credits upon successful completion, and, with satisfactory completion of all coursework, earn a Technical Certificate in Construction Technology.
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Earning a Technical Certificate qualifies students for a High School Diploma of Distinction.
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Students participating two years in this program will earn in excess of thirty hours of college credit from UAHT.
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Through our consortium approach to expand delivery of the UAHT concurrent CTE program in construction technology, the barriers of time and distance will be removed for students in rural areas of Southwest Arkansas, enabling more students to accelerate workforce preparedness, increase higher education credentials, and learn in-demand job skills. Additionally, LiTHIUMLEARNS is partnering with UAHT and K-12 school districts that currently participate in CTE programs at the UAHT campus to increase the number of student participants.
Students participating in the concurrent CTE program in construction technology will gain knowledge and skills to prepare them to enter the workforce and fill the hundreds of regional construction jobs that will be in demand as industry partners invest in site preparation and plant development in the Arkansas section of the Smackover Formation.
CONTACT LiTHIUMLEARNS
Sheryl A. Edwards
Associate VP for Strategic Initiatives
Director, Government Relations & LiTHIUMLEARNS
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Phone: 870-235-5090
Email: saedwards@saumag.edu
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