Arkansas Trucking Association

Be Pro awarded $1.4 million for second mobile workshop

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson approved a $1.45 million grant for a second “Be Pro Be Proud” mobile workshop
to share with high school students the opportunities available through technical careers in the state.

When the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce joined with industry partners like the Arkansas Trucking Association in 2015, the Be Pro initiative began taking shape to address the ongoing workforce shortages in skilled
labor professions across the state. In the years since, one trailer has traveled across the state reaching more
than 116,000 students across 396 cities and 679 tour stops. Students receive a hands-on experience of the types of skilled professions they can join after high school. The workshop now has more stations, represents 16 career
paths, has accumulated a two-year waiting list and inspired similar campaigns in other states.

This grant, provided by the Office of Skills Development, bolsters Be Pro Be Proud’s efforts to lead in the workforce
development space. Be Pro Be Proud revolutionized workforce development when the Be Pro Mobile Workshop was conceptualized as a unit that utilizes virtual reality simulations to place high school and middle school students into the life of a skilled professional.

At the event unveiling the grant approval, Randy Zook, chief executive officer and president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, said private sector officials greatly underestimated the
potential for this initiative.

Teachers, colleges and employers have shared positive experiences of how the campaign has changed attitudes and
enrollment for technical education.

U.S. Rep. French Hill said, “Hats off to Randy Zook and his team for putting this on the road and making it a reality.
It’s a game changer.”