Skills to Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [North Little Rock, June 25, 2025] –  The North Little Rock Public Library System’s Innovation Hub proudly celebrated the graduation of 24 students from Cohort 11 of its Skills to Launch program, a free 10-week workforce development initiative offering hands-on trade training and essential professional skills. Launched in 2020, Skills to Launch continues to serve adults from diverse backgrounds who are seeking career change, stability, or a second chance. The program blends technical training in high-demand trades with professional development in communication, goal-setting, resume writing, and financial literacy. Graduates captured the spirit of the program by sharing: “I just felt like I belonged here.""Skills to Launch totally changed my outlook—my perception of things.""It brought out the best...

Congratulations to our incredible Skills to Launch Cohort 11 graduates!  To all 24 of you, we see your commitment, your growth, and your grit. You showed up, leaned in, and transformed not only your skillsets but your mindset.  Over the past 10 weeks, you’ve learned trades, strengthened your soft skills, and built a foundation for something bigger. You've proven that it’s never too late to grow, to dream, and to launch yourselves into something new. We are so incredibly proud of each of you, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. This is only the beginning.  Pictures are worth a thousand words, but you'll find that video says even more! https://youtu.be/3xNl2-IQ9yo?feature=shared

Over the past 3 months, 21 dedicated students have worked tirelessly to gain hands-on expertise in high-demand trades—HVAC, Welding, Construction, Industrial Operations, and Machinery. These graduates are stepping into a future filled with possibilities, equipped with essential skills to launch meaningful careers.  The Innovation Hub couldn't be prouder of each of you. We can't wait to see the incredible paths you forge ahead!  Here’s to the next wave of skilled professionals making a difference in our communities! Employers, if you're looking for someone to fill a vital role in your organization, please reach out to us and let us connect you with the perfect candidate!

Our Skills to Launch Cohort X Participants will graduate from our program in just four weeks. How time flies! They've been working on Soft Skills: Communication, Work Ethics, Professionalism, Financial Literacy, Resume Building, and more. They've also completed OSHA and EPA 608 training. They've gone on industry tours and met management teams within their desired trades. This week, they start Mock Interviews, which are a great opportunity to practice and prepare for the actual interviews coming up in the following weeks. We are so PROUD of our Cohort X's participants! Learn more about Skills to Launch, a free 10-week program designed to open doors in some of Arkansas's most valuable professional trades! HVAC, Industrial Operations, Welding, Construction, and more.

The PPG Foundation granted funding to continue our workforce development efforts through The Innovation Hub's Skills to Launch Program. The PPG Foundation has been a funding partner of the program for three consecutive years, now. We want to take just a moment to thank our long-standing partner as we near the graduation date for Skills To Launch Cohort IX! We are immensely grateful for the generosity of PPG and feel privileged to have been able to use the funds to offer full scholarships to individuals from minority and marginalized communities. We serve individuals who are dedicated to pursuing a career in the skilled trade industry but lack the necessary resources to further their education and goals. To date, 137 participants...

“Coming to the Hub and experiencing this place kept me motivated because there’s so much good energy in this building. Every time I leave the Hub, I come out more energized, and my day is brighter…Coming here each week was like therapy to me.” Kylan Vance, a Skills to Launch Cohort IX graduate from the HVAC track, would not be the first student to mention how motivating and energizing this program is. The team at The Hub is dedicated to making sure each participant gets the support that they need to succeed. “I would like to thank Mary, Lauren, Matt, my classmates, my family and friends, and also my girlfriend for keeping me in check and for pushing me. All gas,...

“Thank you, Microsoft TechSpark! You have enabled individuals to start a completely new career path, and it may change the entire trajectory of their lives! We knew when we applied for the Microsoft TechSpark Grant that it was going to be something really special, and it has DEFINITELY blown us away! Thank you so much for entrusting us with these funds and helping make dreams come true!” – Errin Stanger.   The Microsoft TechSpark Grant allowed us to fund and include an IT track in this past Cohort IX, providing a full scholarship to 10 participants. “We couldn’t have done it without you!”

We genuinely enjoy getting to know each participant in the Skills to Launch program on an individual level. Even though it is only a 10-week program, we emphasize making sure that each participant feels valued and respected. As the program is smaller and more intimate than traditional college coursework, and we focus heavily on building relationships, trust, and soft skills, it is natural for the participants to bond with one another. This was especially apparent with the HVAC track. Matt LeMaster, a UAPTC instructional partner since the program’s inception, prioritizes fostering a sense of community, teamwork, kindness, and understanding among his students. The camaraderie and cheers were contagious and heartwarming! It was evident in the classroom, lab, and during graduation...

We are excited to share the success stories that have emerged from the Skills to Launch program at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. This program, with its hands-on training and soft skills development, has been instrumental in boosting the confidence of our participants. The exposure and exploration they have experienced have been transformative. They have had the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals, learning from each other’s experiences and achievements. In a safe and supportive environment, they have been able to experiment with various trade crafts. From the very beginning, we have emphasized that this is a judgment-free zone, a place where participants can explore and grow without fear of criticism. We would like to take a moment to highlight...