Arkansas Ag STEM Academy

) encourage student interest in advancing ag technology, production, and profitability, (2) provide students with necessary tools to develop highly-qualified skills which make them desirable to employers of ag-related businesses which employ 1 out of every 6 Arkansans, and (3) offer relevant educational opportunities whether students choose a post-secondary or workforce education path. It is the hope of this Board that our efforts of the past years to engage Arkansas Education with Arkansas Ag Businesses will eventually manifest in a working relationship benefitting these businesses, Arkansas students and the Arkansas Ag Economy. Background
Northeast Arkansas students and the growing Arkansas-based international agricultural industry both have unmet needs. More than 50% of the nation's rice supply is produced in Arkansas and up to 40% of Arkansas soybeans are exported and used in international hunger relief programs. The high-tech world of Arkansas agriculture provides a diverse range of career options for our youth. Industry leaders report a growing job demand for well-trained, highly skilled technicians, operators, analysts, bankers, engineers, consultants, educators, researchers, and administrators to support Arkansas agriculture.