ARKADELPHIA, AR, APR. 10, 2024: Henderson State University, in partnership with the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance, is proud to announce Henderson State University’s approval as an ACT WorkKeys Curriculum Site under the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services’ umbrella agreement with ACT. This authorization marks a pivotal step forward in aligning educational outcomes with the practical needs of the workforce, ensuring that our region’s community members and students are equipped with the essential, job-related skills that are in high demand across the region. 

“Henderson State is honored to offer the ACT WorkKeys Curriculum through our Educational Opportunity Center,” said Dr. Trey Berry, Henderson chancellor. “This program aligns with Henderson’s mission to prepare students for high-demand fields that drive community and economic development. We are grateful to partner with the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance to open the doors of opportunity and access for job seekers.”

Students over the age of eighteen and local job seekers will have access to the WorkKeys assessments in areas such as Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Achieving National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) through these assessments can significantly improve employment opportunities for participants by demonstrating their skill levels to potential employers. Assessments are web-based, offered in both English and Spanish and usually take one hour. 

The site will be located at the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) on Henderson’s campus with Tim Hall, assistant director of the EOC, serving as the curriculum administrator. Hours of instruction and assessment will be on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled with the curriculum instructor, Tim Hall, outside of these hours based on staff availability.

“I am so proud of our partnership with Henderson State University to offer this valuable national career readiness certification program to students and others in our community,” said Shelley Short, president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Alliance. “As our region grows, this program will be extremely beneficial both to employers in the hiring process and to job seekers launching their career or transitioning to a better job.” 

Henderson State University's promotion of the WorkKeys Curriculum will have a positive impact on the local and regional economy by providing a more skilled workforce and assisting employers in making more informed hiring decisions. Empowering individuals with these assessments to certify their skills is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more competitive workforce. 

For more information on the WorkKeys assessments at Henderson State University contact Tim Hall at (870) 230 – 5604 or hallti@hsu.edu. 

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About Henderson State University 

Henderson State University opens the doors of opportunity and access to college for all students and builds pathways from school to work.

About the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce   

The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance makes a positive impact by leading economic and community development efforts that advance growth and prosperity in Clark County, Arkansas. 

About ACT WorkKeys 

ACT has been working to improve career readiness and close the skills gap for more than 50 years. ACT WorkKeys Curriculum is a proven tool for helping individuals acquire skills critical to workplace success. It’s the only curriculum built from the ground up to align with ACT® WorkKeys® Assessments and the ACT® National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®).