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STEM Park Project Information

Sunday, June 04, 2023

Birds Eye

STEM Park - Birds Eye

Skybridge Rendering

STEM Park - Skybridge Rendering

Science Building Floor-plan

STEM Park - Science Building Floorplan

STEM PARK PROJECT

  • UA-PTC’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs are vital to creating a robust, competitive, and modern central Arkansas workforce that is prepared for the technological requirements of 21st century jobs.
    o Includes business/IT, cybersecurity tracks, engineering, and allied health.
  • UA-PTC is building a new $10 million state-of-the-art STEM Park to accommodate student demand and increase enrollment
  • STEM Park Project includes: a complete remodel of existing labs, a new two-story addition to the science building with a connecting sky bridge to the business/IT building, plus modern A/V and laboratory equipment.
  • The completed STEM Park will help close the workforce skills gap, support job creation, and enhance economic development in the region and across the state.

PROBLEM: UA-PTC is currently turning away 200-300 students per semester due to lack of lab capacity.

UA-PTC students in the following degree or certificate programs must take a science course/lab in the Science Building:

Computer Science/IT Programs

  • Coding and Classification Systems
  • Expanded Coding
  • Data Management & Statistics
  • Intermediate Coding

Technical Science Programs

  • Cybersecurity
  • Computerized Numerical Control
  • Aviation Technology
  • Powerplant Aviation Technology
  • Construction Management Technology
  • Applied Electronics Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Digital Media Production

Allied Health Programs

  • Health Information Technology
    o Coding and Classification Systems
    o Health records Systems
    o Expanded Coding
    o Data Management & Statistics
    o Intermediate Coding & Reimbursements
  • Emergency Medical Sciences
  • Radiology Technology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Surgical Technology

General Education Programs (Students Who Transfer to 4-Year Institutions)

70% of UA-PTC's 5400 students take one or more of the following courses:

  • Physics
  • Biological Science
  • Earth Science
  • Physical Science
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • General Botany
  • Chemistry

OUTCOMES

  • Lab spaces will increase from 4 to 12. Classrooms will increase from 8 to 12.
  • 200-300 more students per semester will be able to enroll in UA-PTC science courses
  • Over 80% of these students go on to enter a science or allied health-related field, which are projected to steadily grow in demand in our state over the next 10 years.
  • 400-600 qualified individuals per year trained in a career in a STEM field are projected to enter the Arkansas workforce.

RECENT UA-PTC MILESTONES

  • Summer 2019 enrollment up 16%
  • Fall 2019 enrollment up 2%
  • Over the past 3 years, graduation rates have increased from 10% to 21%
  • UA-PTC is 1 out of 22 colleges in the country offering a Facebook Online Digital Marketing Certificate
  • Student Entrepreneur Education Collective (SEEC) - Partnership with the Venture Center
  • H-Volt Academy Lineperson Training with Entergy
  • North Little Rock Fire Department Paramedic and EMT Training Partnership
  • Partnership with Arkansas Air National Guard on cybersecurity program
  • Aspen Institute Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges in 2019

STEM Park Supporters

Asa Hutchinson
Former Arkansas Governor

John Boozman
U.S. Senator

French Hill
U.S. Congressman

Linda Chesterfield
Arkansas State Senator

Mark Johnson
Arkansas State Senator

Frank Scott
Little Rock Mayor

Joe Smith
Former North Little Rock Mayor

John Owens
NLR Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Barry Hyde
Pulaski County Judge

Andrew Collins
Arkansas State Representative

Carlton Wing
Arkansas State Representative

Fred Love
Arkansas State Representative

Jamie Scott
Arkansas State Representative

Tippi McCullough
Arkansas State Representative

Marcy Doderer
Arkansas Children’s Hospital President/CEO

Gina Radke
Galley Support Innovations CEO

Cam Patterson, MD
UAMS Chancellor

Rajesh Chokhani
Welspun Tubular CEO