Skills to Launch: When Belief Meets Opportunity | Cohort 12 Graduation

The Innovation Hub was filled with pride, joy, and well-earned celebration as Cohort 12 crossed the finish line of their ten-week journey through the Skills to Launch program. One by one, students stepped forward to receive their certificates, marking not just the completion of a course, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibility.

Cohort 12 brought together a remarkable group of individuals who showed up every day ready to grow, learn, and support one another. Many arrived unsure of themselves, some juggling long work hours or personal challenges, others looking for a new direction or a first chance to build a career. Over time, we watched their confidence expand, their skills sharpen, and their belief in themselves grow stronger.

During the graduation ceremony, students reflected on the impact of the program:

• “It has given me an opportunity…”
• “Thank you for being a part of this and allowing us the opportunity to change our lives.”
• “For giving us a chance to be seen and to be heard.”
• “It helped me have the confidence to say what’s on my mind.”

These words remind us of what Skills to Launch is truly about - empowerment, community, and the belief that every person deserves a chance to succeed.

We are deeply proud of these graduates, who completed training in welding, HVAC, and industrial maintenance. Many are already preparing for their first interviews and new career opportunities. Their dedication, resilience, and courage to take the next step inspire us daily.

To Cohort 12, congratulations. You showed up for yourselves, for your future, and for the people who believe in you. We cannot wait to see where your journey leads next.

And to our funders, PPG Industries and the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, thank you. Your support continues to make stories like these possible.