The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2021 Tech Talent Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a student who intends to pursue a career in a technical field at ASUN-Jonesboro. 

The scholarship was developed by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Committee. Volunteers of the committee annually impact almost 3,000 K-12 students by connecting educators and students with business and industry. Volunteers provide career mentoring, leadership training, networking, recognition, volunteer opportunities and internships.

“This scholarship project and others are successful due to the hard work and imagination of our team," said Shanna Kennedy, Committee Chair. "Our committee of volunteers is able to show our future workforce what is great about Jonesboro thanks to our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who helps make this scholarship opportunity possible.

This scholarship initiative is key in building a sustainable, skilled pipeline of talent for the Northeast Arkansas region. 

"ASU-Newport at Jonesboro is instrumental in providing workforce manufacturing training to support industry needs in the Jonesboro and the surrounding areas," said Dr. Holly Smith, ASUN's Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. "Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, Machining, Computer Numeric Control Operation, and Welding continue to top Northeast Arkansas’s high demand careers list. ASUN continues to provide pathways to build a skilled workforce pipeline by working closely with our industry partners, particularly the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. With the support of this scholarship, we can increase high-demand programming as well as options for job retraining, credentialing, and advanced skill-building."

The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior(s) from the Jonesboro region. The awardee(s) will be enrolled at ASUN-Jonesboro with the intention of pursuing a technical certificate in one or more of the three programs listed below, with a goal of working in manufacturing in the Jonesboro area.

• Advanced Manufacturing Technology
• Industrial Maintenance
• Welding

Applications are due June 1, and the scholarship will be awarded July 15. 

The inaugural scholarship went to Nettleton High School graduate Trent Green in 2020. Green is enrolled in ASUN-Jonesboro's Welding program. 

For access to the full application click here.