(The Little Rock Regional Chamber drafted this news release.)
Among students, district staff, the business community, and guests, the Academies of Central Arkansas officially launched the formal partnership between Baldwin & Shell Construction Company and North Little Rock High School, creating the Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality & Development at North Little Rock High School. These types of partnerships are the foundation of the Academies of Central Arkansas model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County.
Students in the Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality & Development will benefit from the enhanced learning opportunities created by this partnership during their four years at North Little Rock High School. Beginning this school year, all students will experience career exposure through classroom speakers and guest lecturers and will attend a career exposure event where Baldwin & Shell, along with other central Arkansas businesses, will showcase career opportunities. Sophomore students will be provided industry field trips and business tours and the team at Baldwin & Shell has already begun collaborating with North Little Rock High School teachers to create even more opportunities for hands-on learning for 11th and 12th grade scholars next school year.
“We are so excited to pour into students some of our knowledge and experience in order to excite them about this world we call construction,” said Baldwin & Shell President and CEO Bobby Gosser.
The Academies of Central Arkansas is a joint initiative of the four public school districts across Pulaski County and the regional business community. In 2019, the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts, together with the five Pulaski County chambers of commerce and business and civic leaders, began implementing high school academies within all public high schools in the county, serving all students.
"We are thrilled to see Baldwin & Shell Construction Company further their commitment to education by partnering with North Little Rock High School to establish the Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality, & Development. This marks their second Academy partnership, a testament to their investment in the future of our students and our community,” said Little Rock Regional Chamber President and CEO Jay Chesshir. “Partnerships like these are vital to bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with invaluable real-world experiences and career insights. By working together, we are not only shaping the future workforce of Central Arkansas but also investing in the long-term success of our region. This collaboration truly embodies the spirit of the Academies model—equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their chosen careers."
"Words cannot express how excited we are about this partnership with Baldwin & Shell," said Gregory J. Pilewski, Ed.D., Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District. "This collaboration positions our students for even greater opportunities for career exploration and real-world experiences. They will become better critical thinkers and problem solvers as a result of this alliance with Baldwin & Shell."
Implementation of the Academies of Central Arkansas will take several years to fully build out. Once completed, this educational approach will help transform high schools for all students within the four school districts. The Little Rock Regional Chamber is still actively recruiting business partners for all Academy high schools.
Businesses interested in getting more information can reach out to the chamber directly or visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.