Concurrent CTE in Industrial Engineering Technology

CONCURRENT CTE
IET IN CHEMICAL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

Beginning in Fall 2025, LiTHIUMLEARNS is facilitating a Concurrent CTE Pilot Program in Industrial Engineering Technology (IET) with a focus on chemical process technology with South Arkansas College (SouthArk), Southern Arkansas University (SAU), and Magnolia High School (MHS). MHS juniors and seniors who demonstrate college readiness are eligible to participate in the program. The academic content will be delivered online by a qualified SouthArk instructor during two standard class periods while MHS provides an on-site, in-room facilitator. Hands-on learning will be delivered by a qualified instructor in a laboratory at SAU. This flipped-model, hybrid approach to teaching and learning removes the barriers of limited time and distance to facilities, enabling MHS students to participate in Concurrent CTE programs.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

No cost to students or parents.
- Travel arrangements to and from MHS provided by the consortium if needed
Courses will be delivered during the first and second periods.
- Fall courses offered are Industrial Safety and Introduction to Industry.
- Students must enroll in both courses.
Students who successfully complete course work will receive college credit from South Arkansas College.
- These course credits are transferable among LiTHIUMLEARNS higher education partners.
Two additional courses will be offered during Spring 2026. Successful completion of all 4 courses in the 2025-2026 academic year will result in students earning a Certificate of Proficiency in Industrial Engineering Technology. Earning a Certificate of Proficiency qualifies students for a High School Diploma of Merit.

During the 2026-2027 academic year, four 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 IET with an emphasis in Chemical Process Technology.
- Earning a Technical Certificate qualifies students for a High School Diploma of Distinction.
- Students participating two years in this program will earn in excess of thirty hours of college credit from South Arkansas College.
- Completion of this program accelerates the time to completion for students who choose to continue their education by pursing an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering Technology: Chemical Process Technology at South Arkansas College or a bachelor’s degree in at SAU.

Our goal is to expand this program across Southwest Arkansas K-12 school districts among the many district LiTHIUMLEARNS partners beginning in Fall 2026.

CONTACT LiTHIUMLEARNS

Sheryl A. Edwards

Southern Arkansas University

Associate VP for Strategic Initiatives

Director, Government Relations & LiTHIUMLEARNS

Phone: 870-235-5090

Email: saedwards@saumag.edu

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