Skills Training in Advanced Research & Technology (START) Site Funding Awarded

The University of Arkansas, in partnership with Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), has secured five years of funding, amounting to nearly $500,000, to establish a Skills Training in Advanced Research & Technology (START) Site in Northwest Arkansas. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with the Membrane Applications Science and Technology (MAST) Center.

The START program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative to bolster STEM capacity and ensure inclusivity in a science and engineering-intensive economy. Skilled technical workers play a vital role across sectors, including advanced industries such as manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, aerospace, and more.

The MAST Center at the University of Arkansas’ continuing collaboration with NWACC aims to establish a regional hub for research experiences and mentoring, extending beyond NWACC to include other community colleges in Little Rock and the surrounding areas. The primary focus is to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the biotech industry, thereby contributing to workforce development and equipping students with the necessary skills for career opportunities in this field. The START Site will serve as a regional training hub to mentor and train students, faculty, and student/faculty teams from 2-year institutions of higher education.

We anticipate this program to not only benefit Arkansas but also serve as a regional resource, positioning the area as a leader for training in advanced research and technology.