Nearly 400 Students Engage with Employers at Southeast Arkansas Draft Day

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (April 8, 2026) – Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas connected 397 students with 23 employers at Southeast Arkansas Draft Day, held Tuesday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The experiential hiring event brought together 87 graduating seniors representing 16 high schools for pre-matched interviews with employers ready to hire.

Unlike a traditional career fair, Draft Day pairs workforce-ready seniors with employers for scheduled interviews while underclassmen explore high-demand technical careers through an interactive Career Expo. Industries represented included construction, manufacturing, transportation, utilities and forestry.

“Draft Day continues to deliver meaningful connections between students and employers,” said Diana Long, Draft Day director. “Events like today’s help students take the next step with confidence while giving employers access to a strong pipeline of future talent.”

Stephanie Isaacs, director of the Arkansas Office of Skills Development at the Arkansas Department of Commerce, said Draft Day reflects continued momentum in career and technical education across the state.

“Be Pro Be Proud experiences and Draft Day continue to support the strong growth we are seeing in career and technical education enrollment statewide,” Isaacs said. “When students connect directly with employers and see clear pathways into high-demand fields, they gain confidence in their future and in the opportunities available right here in Arkansas.”

Southeast Arkansas Draft Day was the final event of a five-city statewide annual series designed to strengthen connections between education and industry while elevating pride and professionalism in skilled trades.

Central Moloney served as presenting sponsor for the Southeast Arkansas event, with additional support from Summit Utilities and Union Pacific.

For more information about Be Pro Be Proud and upcoming Draft Day events, visit beprobeproudar.org.