Arkansas Workforce Challenge

The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created by Act 613 of the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue.  The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in designated high demand areas.  Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs.  Professional skills training classes may also qualify. Additional scholarship information applicable through 7/31/26 can be found at: Arkansas Workforce Challenge. Pending rules promulgation and Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board policy approval, the information will be updated for programs beginning on or after 8/1/26.

Workforce Challenge Program List (Updated 2/2/26; Effective Through 7/31/26)

Changes to the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program outlined in ACCESS will NOT take effect prior to the 2026-2027 academic year.

Background:

House Joint Resolution 1006 of the 2023 Arkansas Legislative Session, a constitutional amendment to allow lottery proceeds to fund or provide scholarships and grants to Arkansas citizens enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes, was a pivotal step to expand access to state workforce education and training. Act 341 of the 2025 Arkansas Legislative Session, the Arkansas ACCESS Act, amended existing code related to the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program. Some notable changes to the Workforce Challenge Scholarship in ACCESS included, 

• Expanding the definition of “approved institution of higher education” to include public or private vocational-technical schools with primary headquarters located in Arkansas that are:
  • Included on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligible training provider list, 
  • Qualified to receive approval for veterans' education benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or
  • Included on the ADHE Private Career Education list;
• Defining certificate program occupational areas to include: 
  • Advanced manufacturing, 
  • Health care, 
  • Information technology, 
  • Construction trades, or 
  • Logistics and distribution; and
• Increasing the maximum scholarship award a student may receive in an academic year from lesser of program cost or $800 to lesser of program cost or $3000. 

Program Application:

• The application to request program approval opens March 1, 2026, and closes March 31, 2026. Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program Application - Fill out form
• A separate application is required for EACH program that eligible IHE seek to have included on the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship approved program list.
• Training providers must have a state vendor number to submit an application for a program vendor.ark.org.

Contact workforce.grants@adhe.edu for additional information.