Starting in 2019 as a partnership between the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, the O.U.R. Educational Service Cooperative, and the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce - The Workforce Initiative Network is a collaborative effort to connect education and business for the purpose of preparing students for career success and building a local workforce talent pipeline.
Embedded Files
WIN - Connecting Business & Education
WIN - Connecting Business & Education
21 schools. 6,500 students. $1M+ in Economic Impact.
The Workforce Initiative Network (WIN) connects businesses and education right here in the Harrison, AR region.
2022-23 WIN TextbookWIN Magazine
WIN Magazine
The WIN Magazine is a resource for students to efficiently learn about the many careers available in Boone and the surrounding counties.
If your school would like physical copies of the magazine, please contact Emilee Tucker at etucker@oursc.k12.ar.us.
Ozark Destinations Magazine - Fall 2022
Ozark Destinations Magazine - Fall 2022
The Fall 2022 issue of Destination Ozarks highlights some of the key players and goals of the Workforce Initiative Network (WIN).
Destination Ozarks is a publication of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazete.
Destination Ozarks Magazine_Fall 2022.pdf
#4 May 2023 WIN Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce Podcast with Emilee Tucker
On this episode of the Taking Care of Business podcast Emilee Tucker joins Wilson to discuss education and the workforce initiative network in the Harrison Region.
Emilee Tucker is the Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the OUR Cooperative that serves our surrounding 16 school districts and 21 schools. Emilee talks about her travels across the districts this semester with virtual reality career exploration tools, implementing and sharing resources from her professional development, and how business and education are working together through the Chamber and the Cooperative to better equip and serve our future workforce.
Emilee, thanks for taking the time to catch up and record our conversation. We appreciate working with you and all our educators in the WIN Program!
How to Crush Your First Interview
How to Crush Your First Interview
This video was created by the Boone County Leadership Class of 2021-22 and North Arkansas College and is intended to prepare students for their first interview.
The Workforce Initiative Network (WIN) connects businesses and education right here in the Harrison, AR region.
WIN - WIN Leadership Academy
WIN - WIN Leadership Academy
The purpose of WLA is to help educators understand the purpose of WIN, strengthen ties between educators and industry partners, give educators a clear picture of industry needs, and break down current barriers that prevent student success in the workplace.
September 26, 2024 - ReDefining the Goal Ch 1 - 4
October 10, 2024 - ReDefining the Goal Ch 5 - 8
October 24, 2024 - ReDefining the Goal Ch 9 - Conclusion
November 7, 2024 - Review of Data
November 14, 2024 - (Strategic Planning, Speaker, Alumni, Pictures)
WIN Leadership Academy Tour of Claridge
WIN Leadership Academy Tour of Claridge
On February 9th, 2023, WIN Leadership Academy graduates from Fall 2021 & 2022 toured Claridge and had the opportunity to discuss topics such as essential skills that need taught in the classroom, beneficial certifications, what Claridge looks for in potential employees and how educators can set students up for success after graduation. After the tour, educators collaborated and shared CTE successes at their school impacted by WIN including career fairs, reverse career fairs, truck and shows, and collaborations with core teachers.
We were honored to have Gordon Eichelberger, DCTE Agriculture Program Coordinator and DCTE Regional Specialist for OUR, in attendance at this session.
Other participants included principals, counselors, core teachers, and CTE teachers from the following schools: Alpena, Bergman, Bruno-Pyatt, Deer, Eureka Springs, Flippin, Green Forest, Harrison, and Mt. Judea.
WIN Leadership Academy Tour of Crouse Construction
WIN Leadership Academy Tour of Crouse Construction
On February 17th, 2022 the WIN Leadership Academy Class of 2021 toured Crouse Construction and learned more about the training and aptitudes the construction industry is looking for in potential employees and barriers educators can help employers address.
Participating schools included: Alpena (Vickey Shelton), Bergman (Candy Futrell), Eureka Springs (Billie Reed), Green Forest (Jonie Standlee), Harrison (Maribeth O'Dell)
WIN Leadership Academy Class of Fall 2022
WIN Leadership Academy Class of Fall 2022
Left to Right: Emilee Tucker (OUR), Dale Horn (Flippin HS), Dawn Purdom (Yellville-Summit HS), Lindsey Burdine (Deer), Amy Brumley (Omaha HS), Joei Phillips (Kingston), CeCe Capps (Kingston HS), John McCleary (Ozark Mountain), Rainey Yeager (Mt. Judea). Not Pictured: Cheryl Meyers (Kingston HS), Matthew Urioste (Harrison HS), Torie Goode (Valley Springs HS)
WIN Leadership Academy Class of Fall 2021
WIN Leadership Academy Class of Fall 2021
Left to Right: Wilson Marseilles (Harrison Chamber), Star Waters (Alpena HS), Rebeca Crow (Harrison HS), Vickey Shelton (Alpena HS), Billie Reed (Eureka Springs HS), Henry Wooten (Deer HS), Kayla Dixon (Flippin MS), Deanna Franks (Cotter HS), Colleen Bell (Marshall HS), Tamara Ross (Bruno-Pyatt HS), Emilee Tucker (OUR Co-Op), Jessie Jefferson (Flippin HS), Paige Edwards (Berryville Counselor), Jonie Standlee (Green Forest Counselor), Maribeth O'Dell (Harrison MS), Candy Futrell (Bergman HS), Bob Largent (Harrison Chamber). Not Pictured: Paige Clary (Lead Hill HS).
Student Success Story
Student Success Story
Valley Springs High School CTE Students Shine: A Pathway to Success
December 18, 2024 - Valley Springs, AR – In a rapidly evolving job market, students at Valley Springs High School are not just preparing for their futures; they are paving the way for success through innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Two standout seniors, Tate Trammell and Abigail Nelle, exemplify the qualities local employers are seeking: motivation, professionalism, and a strong sense of drive.
Tate Trammell recently completed his welding program and received a welding certificate from North Arkansas College. Balancing school and work, Tate takes three classes a day at Valley Springs High School before heading to his job at Hudson Fencing and Welding, where he works 25 to 30 hours a week. “Pursuing my passion is not for everyone, but I love the freedom and income it provides,” he shared. His goal is to start his own business in the future, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that CTE programs aim to cultivate.
On the other side of the CTE spectrum, Abigail Nelle is dedicated to becoming a teacher, inspired by her own educators from a young age. Previously enrolled in Pre-Educator courses as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program, Abigail now works as a paraprofessional at Valley Springs Elementary School. Thanks to a Perkins grant through the OUR Co-Op, she earned her paraprofessional certification and is gaining invaluable experience in the classroom. “I want to learn the ropes and gather knowledge from other teachers to be more prepared for my future,” Abigail said. After graduation, she aims to pursue a teaching degree and hopes to continue her journey at Valley Springs School District.
Both students represent a generation often overlooked by employers. Their commendable attributes echo the strong work ethic and foresight reminiscent of Generation X—qualities that bridge the gap between education and employment. As the state emphasizes the importance of success-ready graduates, Tate and Abigail shine as examples of how CTE programs can transform aspirations into reality.
Their stories also highlight the significance of the LEARNS initiative in Arkansas, which aims to enhance workforce readiness and address local employment needs. With pathways leading directly to certifications and job placements, CTE students like Tate and Abigail are not only preparing for their futures but also inspiring their peers to pursue similar goals.
Both are receiving hands-on experience in high-demand, high-wage (H2) professions. Whether it's Tate honing his welding skills or Abigail gaining classroom experience, their journeys underscore the critical role CTE plays in addressing key workforce needs, from skilled trades to education.
CTE is not just preparing students for graduation; it’s shaping the future workforce—one student at a time.
Emilee Tucker
Emilee Tucker
O.U.R. Educational Service Cooperative
Career & Technical Education Coordinator
O: (870) 302-3093
Wilson Marseilles
Wilson Marseilles
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