Future Fit Graduates First Class Through Local Detention Center

A graduation ceremony was recently held for program participants incarcerated at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center as seven men completed Future Fit, a rigorous pre-employment training program.

Future Fit, a statewide public-private workforce development initiative, is a collaboration between the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC), the Little Rock Workforce Development Board (LRWDB), the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center (PCRDC), the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) Existing Business Resource Division.

“UA-PTC’s mission is to provide access to high-quality education, and the Future Fit program provides the access to students in the City of Little Rock’s Re-Entry Program,” said Dr. Summer DeProw, chancellor of University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College. “The partnership between UA-PTC, AEDC, PCRDC, and LRWDB has the potential to reduce recidivism and positively impact our community. We are looking forward to seeing the first graduates find employment and transition into our community.”

The seven graduates received certificates that show future employers they have the skills and motivation needed to succeed in high-demand skilled industries. They underwent a rigorous screening process before beginning the program that included having a high-school diploma or GED and obtaining at least a bronze level ACT Career Readiness Certification. Interest in the program is high, and there is currently a waiting list for people wanting to go through it. The second class began January 10.

“We want to invest in those who are willing to invest in themselves,” said W.J. Monagle, executive director of the Little Rock Workforce Development Board. “We have a saying – ‘Define me by who I have become, not who I once was’ – that could not be more appropriate for these seven graduates and those who will follow in their footsteps.”

Future Fit is a 96-hour program created by AEDC and a group of Arkansas manufacturers, which is facilitated by the UA-PTC Business and Industry Center, to help prepare individuals with the skills they need to meet the demand for well-paying manufacturing and production positions throughout Arkansas.

“Future Fit is designed to help Arkansans get the skills they need to secure high-paying jobs in manufacturing sectors that need workers,” said AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal. “Expanding the program into the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center is a win not only for local companies who can tap into a new source for skilled workers, but also for a segment of the population that has historically been overlooked. This is a group of hardworking individuals who are both excited and engaged about finding opportunities that can change lives for the better.”

Future Fit programs conducted at the Pulaski County Detention Center are made possible through a $2 million U.S. Department of Labor Pathway Home Grant.  This grant, awarded to the Little Rock Workforce Board, provides financial resources to support training and employment services to incarcerated people who are scheduled for release within 20 to 270 days from the time they enroll in program. Training equipment used for Future Fit is supplied by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development.

The goal is to get participants to have an entry-level job within 90 days of release. Graduates are also encouraged to mentor subsequent classes. Sharon Cantrell, Director of UA-PTC Business and Industry Center, added, “While graduates can pursue work anywhere, several Arkansas employers participate in UA-PTC’s Future Fit program, including Caterpillar, Dassault Falcon Jet, Democrat Printing, Lexicon Inc., L’Oreal, the Little Rock Port Authority, Revolution Company, Seal Solar, Tru Fab, and Welspun, and this employer list continues to grow.”