Since 2018, public community colleges and universities in Arkansas have collaborated to implement and scale mathematics pathways and English and mathematics corequisite supports to normative practice. This statewide initiative, called Strong Start to Finish Arkansas (SStF Arkansas), is supported by a community of practice and technical assistance from the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin. This report outlines the progress toward SStF Arkansas Initiative goals. It also presents the persistent scaling challenges that Arkansas higher education stakeholders face, as they work to increase equitable access and outcomes in undergraduate English and mathematics.

This brief examines the foundational mathematics needed to prepare individuals for success in entry-level and middle-skilled production and assembly jobs in the manufacturing industry. Mathematics is a core component of manufacturing, a field that covers a wide range of sectors including automotive and aeronautic, chemical, medical, food, computer and electronics, machinery, and more. This brief explores the limited industry guidance that identifies which mathematics competencies are required for entry-level and middle- skill manufacturing production jobs and how to prepare workers for upward mobility.

Manufacturers in the Greater Louisville area partnered with Jefferson Community and Technical College to implement the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME). This national program combines education and paid, on-the-job training, giving students an opportunity to earn an associate of applied science degree and an advanced manufacturing technician certification as they gain valuable work experience.

Tyler Junior College (TJC) designed a foundational industrial mathematics course focused on the necessary mathematics skills and competencies to meet the economic development needs of the community and the training requirements of local industry.

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) of Ferris State University offers highly applied, project-based, and career-focused educational programs that leverage and contribute to the local community. The KCAD Innovation Hub creates educational experiences for interdisciplinary student teams and supports the diverse needs of community and industry partners, including manufacturers, through co-developed projects.

Virginia’s community colleges, employers, and trade associations are partnering to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing, by making it easier for Virginians to be trained and job ready. As the leading provider of workforce development training, the Commonwealth’s community college system assists manufacturing employers in connecting with the appropriate education and training programs. The system also helps colleges stay connected to employer needs by creating relevant curriculum that lead to in- demand industry certifications and degrees.

This resource from the Charles A. Dana Center outlines the considerations and process for launching task forces that establish ongoing partnerships between workforce stakeholders (e.g., industry, higher education, advocacy organizations, professional organizations, students). The goal of these task forces is to ensure that students attain the mathematics skills specific to their chosen industries in order to have equitable opportunities for successful employment and promotion.

This resource focuses on Quantitative Literacy (also known as Mathematical Reasoning) as a rigorous, relevant mathematics pathway in Arkansas. It demystifies commonly held myths about enrolling students in this mathematics pathway.

This resource focuses on Quantitative Literacy (also known as Mathematical Reasoning) as a rigorous, relevant mathematics pathway in Arkansas. It demystifies commonly held myths about enrolling students in this mathematics pathway.

Evidence continues to mount that providing just-in-time assistance in the form of corequisite support courses is helping students succeed in completing their gateway mathematics courses in their first year,3 which has long been a major stumbling block for students who have been designated as underprepared for college-level work. Houston Community College has taken this reform a step further, crafting and refining a holistic student support structure that increased the number of students making it to and through college- level mathematics.