The 2022-2023 school year will open with a vigorous commitment to the ongoing improvement of Launch Career programs offered within the Rogers School District.   

Why it matters: One of the essential elements of continuous improvement is the purposeful cognizance of local and regional workforce demands, as well and the projected growth and replenishment of the current workforce needs within each of the industry sectors. 

Growth creates workforce needs:  Projected growth in the population, expansion of existing industries and the increase of new business and industries within Northwest Arkansas, will impact the dynamic metrics of the high skill, high wage and in-demand workforce needs.  Jobs relating to Health Science & Service, Industrial Equipment & Technology, Manufacturing and Education are among the areas noted for accelerated growth in the upcoming years. 

Launch career programs are designed to align with both the current and projected employment and workforce demands. The career programs are available to 9^th-12^th grade students during the regular school day, with additional opportunities to attend specialized industry training and certification training through the Extended Learning Program. 

There are currently over twenty-three career programs offered to high school students. Courses are held on the district’s high school campuses, the Rogers Public Schools Career Center and the Secondary Career Center.

New Launch programs: In the continued effort to help prepare students for jobs that align with high skill, high wage and in-demand workforce needs, two new Launch Career Programs will begin in the 2022-2023 school year, including Medium/Heavy Truck (Diesel) Service and the First Responder (EMT) programs.

Accessibility:  The new programs will be offered to 9^th-12^th grade students and will be held on the high school campuses.  Transportation among the four secondary campuses to the Rogers Career Center is provided by the district to ensure that the career programs are accessible for all high school students.

What’s new with extended learning:  In addition to the new career programs, the district will also be expanding Extended Learning programs providing opportunities for 9th-12th grade students designed to increase awareness of career options and the academic, technical and employability skills that align with different types of jobs within many different career fields.

How it works:  The Extended Learning programs will be available during the regular school day, after school and in the summer months at little or no cost to RPS students. Programs may be offered on an RPS campus, through on-line courses, at post-secondary campuses and/or at local industry training facilities. To learn more, please view the Career and Extended Learning Program Brochure

To learn more about the Launch Career Programs, visit Extended Learning Programs. Additional information about career education courses courses offered to 9^th-12^th grade students can be found on the RPS website at launchyourfuture.net.

Partners needed:  The Rogers Public Schools Career and Technical Education department is interested in partnering with local business and industries to provide career and work-related experiences for 7^th-12^th grade students. Contact Dawn Stewart at (479) 636-3910 to learn more about opportunities to partner with career and technical programs.