UACCB Career Coach program adds two districts

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Career Technical Education and partnering districts, has announced new career coach positions for Batesville School District and Cedar Ridge School District. These two career coaches are dedicated to supporting students’ pathways to graduation, postsecondary training, and a meaningful career. UACCB also has longstanding partnerships with Cave City School District and Southside School District for career coaches.

“The career coach program is designed to support the great work being done by our high school partners,” said Dr. Zach Perrine, vice chancellor for student affairs and career coach supervisor, “Career coaches’ role is to focus on students’ planning to graduation and entering the workforce.”

The career coach model focuses on three key areas: providing quality postsecondary advice to students and families, providing information on career opportunities in Arkansas and the necessary education/training required, and encouraging students to learn about, prepare for, and finance postsecondary education. 

“We always highlight the great relationships we have with our community and the career coach program is a great example of this,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor, “We are fortunate to have strong educational partners with our school districts and this is one of the many ways we can serve them.”

“Career coaches, like our partner school districts, want to support the individualized needs of students,” said Perrine, “Every student will have a different goal. It may be college, an apprenticeship, the military, or other types of training, all paths are valid as long as the student is making their right choice.” 

Career coaches help introduce students to careers and educational opportunities through college and industry tours. This includes providing information on high-demand careers through exploratory experiences. They help students navigate college applications, scholarship forms, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

UACCB career coaches are Jennifer Pitts at Batesville Charter High School, Philip Landers at Cave City High Career and Collegiate Preparatory School, Lynn Bray at Cedar Ridge High School, and Jennifer Ford at Southside Charter High School. Each career coach is embedded in the high school student success team and works to support students directly.