Community Collaborators

Barrows Excavation

Hank Still, HR/Safety Coordinator, has organized training expos for Connect 4 students, facilitated the donation process for the Mini-Excavator, and actively recruits students from the Connect 4 program for Barrows Excavation.

Tonya Williams

Shelter Insurance

I am so excited to see how much Connect 4 program has grown over the last 5 years, from a handful of students the first year to almost 100 today! I am so thankful for the faculty that help guide these students in the classroom & I am so proud to be able to recognize a student every 9 weeks!!

Dallas Prouty

Tyson Green Forest

Connect 4 has consistently delivered effective workforce training and quality job placement opportunities for graduating high school students in Carroll County. Through hands-on instruction and a dedicated staff, the program not only educates students but prepares them for the workforce while exposing them to viable career opportunities beyond high school. I have worked closely with Connect 4 to develop industry-based training scenarios, address common workplace challenges, and strengthen troubleshooting skills that are in high demand across today’s industries.

Mindy Butler
Black Hill Energy

Thank you to Mindy Butler of Black Hills Energy for the generous donation of iPads to the Connect 4 (C4) program. Connect 4 also extends its appreciation to Black Hills Energy for leading a Regulator Flow and Gas Pipe Fusing class with our students. This hands-on, industry-driven instruction strengthens technical skills, exposes students to real-world safety standards, and highlights high-demand career pathways. Meaningful community partnerships like this broaden opportunities and inspire future workforce success across Carroll County.

Mayor: Green Forest

DON McNEELY

“Since its inception, C4 has consistently provided high-quality technical education that equips students with the practical skills required in today’s competitive workforce. The school’s curriculum, combined with hands-on training and state-of-the-art facilities, has enabled its students to excel not only academically but also professionally. Specific highlights include: C4 teaches several skills and is always looking for more. HVAC boot camp, Welding, CDL and Industrial Automation trades are looking to start teaching.”

Mayor: Berryville

TIM McKINNEY

“An adult education workforce center would extend this benefit by training adults within the area with trade skills that would also benefit the City of Berryville in many ways. The proposed center would focus on the following classes: Welding, CDL, HVAC, and Industrial Automation. The welding and especially the CDL classes would greatly benefit the City of Berryville’s workforce. The City of Berryville could potentially hire 1-2 employees a year with that type of training, depending on the employees retention rates. We also have approximately 10 current employees that would be potential candidates for CDL training.”

Mayor: Eureka Springs

SIMON WILEY

“The City of Eureka Springs Public Works is thankful for the work and educational resources Connect 4 (C4) provides to our community. The education that you provide high school students is what our industry needs. We are in full support of C4 added the capacity to provide industrial education and training to adults too.”

Grants and Awards

SCOUT CLEAN ENERGY

James Knight, Director of CONNECT 4 accepts a check for $7,500.00 from Jack Barker, senior associate project manager for Scout Clean Energy. This award check will help CONNECT 4 purchase necessary consumables to aid the training in the Industrial Maintenance Program. Connect 4 works to place graduates in jobs and continuing education that industry requires.

ARKANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

A big surprise happened at C4 today!
Joe Scott, Mavis Lehr and Janell Robertson with the Arkansas Community Foundation Carroll County presented Connect 4 (James Knight, Director) a check for $10,000.
THANK YOU!!!!

GENE HAAS FOUNDATION

The Gene HAAS foundation has awarded a grant of $12,000 to the CONNECT 4 program. This award is to highlight the continued efforts in the CNC/ Manufacturing program. Ben VandeHoef from Phillips Corporation has been a vital liaison between HAAS and CONNECT 4 providing high level lessons on G-CODE and HAAS machine keypad navigation that can be passed on to trainees.

PHILLIP HOWARD MEMORIAL

The Phillip Howard Memorial Scholarship is an annual award presented to students in the Connect 4 program and are in the Berryville school District. This scholarship honors deserving local seniors who demonstrate outstanding work ethic, consistent attendance, and a commitment to personal responsibility. Typically presented by school leadership, such as the Berryville Principal or Superintendent, the award supports students who aspire to pursue careers in the Electrical or Industrial Maintenance fields and encourages continued success in skilled trades.