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EDUCATION

Peak Innovation Center

Peak Innovation Center, in its third
year on its own campus on Zero Street
in Fort Smith, prepares students for
post-secondary careers in several
fields, preparing students to be active
participants in the region’s workforce
as programs continue to evolve.
“We have over 450 students
participating in our programs currently
on campus, including high school and
adult classes, in several disciplines,”
said Dr. Gary Udouj, Director of Career
Education and District Innovation for
Fort Smith Public Schools. “We are
drawing interest from educators in
other states who desire to replicate
what we have started here.”
When the campus first opened
in 2023, three main fields were the
focus – Advanced Manufacturing, Patient Care Technician students at Peak Innovation Center practice phlebotomy skills.
Information Technology and Health Photo courtesy of Peak Innovation Center.
Sciences. Courses in Construction
trades, Un-manned Aerial Systems SQUASH BLOSSOM
(drones) and Art & Design have been
added to the offerings since, and more 5005 Dora Rd,
are being considered as the region’s Van Buren AR 72956
workforce needs are changing. These
include Cyber Security and Aviation 479-474-1147
Technology.
“These students – we now refer Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm,
to them as ‘Young Professionals’
– are hungry to learn material that Saturday 9am-5pm
prepares them for careers locally,”
Amye Drackett, Career Development Natural Foods On A Budget
Facilitator, stated. “We have worked
with them to gain experience in
interviews, resume creation, and make
presentations to small groups.”
Students are expected to adhere
to a core list of professional standards,
including Safety, Quality of Work,
Productivity, Communication,
Teamwork, Initiative, Professional 1403 City Park Road
Appearance, Attendance and P.O. Box 443
Punctuality. “These skills are just as Van Buren, AR 72956
important as any task-oriented skills we
can teach them,” Drackett said. www.vbclub.org 479-474-9401
A group of six students have

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