Tyson Foods Awards UACCM $200,000 Grant to Give Meaning Campaign

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is excited to announce the receipt of a $200,000 grant from Tyson Foods Corporation’s Ways We Care corporate giving program.  This generous support of the campaign gives them a naming opportunity for the workforce training and conference space in the future Workforce Training Center.

The Tyson processing plant in Dardanelle, AR is an industry partner with UACCM, and several of the technical programs align with their workforce needs.  Currently, six of their employees serve on technical advisory committees for the college. These programs include industrial mechanics and maintenance and commercial refrigeration.  In addition, they serve on a focus group for a potential diesel mechanics program, as Tyson maintains their own fleet of trucks.

“As an Arkansas company, it’s important for us to invest in the people of our state," said Annetta Tirey, director of corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods. “This training center will not only help close the skills gap for many already in the workforce, but also provides new opportunities for those seeking careers in high-demand job fields."

According to Tyson Foods’ website, they provide charitable investments in their communities through a strategic grant process. The majority of these donations focus on specific target areas within the following categories:  hunger relief, health and nutrition, education, community development, and environmental and sustainable agriculture. In education, the Ways We Care corporate giving grant focuses on areas that are important to their business, their industry, their communities and the students who may be future team members.

Of the donation, UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis said, “Our partnership with Tyson Foods has been a mutually beneficial endeavor.  Almost 25% of Tyson’s maintenance staff is set to retire over the next year.  This partnership is a great opportunity for UACCM to help fill that gap with students who have been trained, with Tyson’s help, to exceed industry standards. Their donation to the Give Meaning campaign, as well as their industry partnership, helps to ensure we are able to continue to offer the most comprehensive technical training available in Arkansas.”

The estimated 53,000 square-feet Workforce Training Center at UACCM will house many of the college’s existing technical programs including automotive service technology; welding; industrial mechanics and maintenance technology; and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology. In addition to technical programs, an open space for workforce training will be included in the facility for use in recruiting new industry to the area, as well as assisting current industry with workforce development needs.

For more information about the “Give Meaning” campaign, including ways to support the fundraising efforts, visit www.uaccm.edu/GiveToUACCM, or contact UACCM Development Officer Morgan Zimmerman at 501-977-2085 or zimmerman@uaccm.edu.