$8 Million Policy Success Funds Continuing Education for Low-Income Adults

Little Rock, February 10 – The Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) Board has allocated $8 million to replicate Southern Good Faith Fund’s Career Pathways pilot program at nine other community colleges in Arkansas. Career Pathways is a nationally-recognized strategy to help low-income adults access a pathway of continuing education opportunities leading to college credentials up to an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.

The TEA Board proposal emerged as part of a National Governors Association Policy Academy. Arkansas was the only southern state selected to participate in the policy academy focusing on improving access to and completion of college among low-income adults. Southern Good Faith Fund worked with the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Governor’s Office to apply for and manage Arkansas’ participation in the academy.

Participating colleges will use funds to cover tuition and child care expenses for the eligible population — low-income adults, offer more evening and weekend courses and redesign these courses to improve student retention and completion. Learn more at www.goodfaithfund.org.