26 May 2025 Be Pro Be Proud wraps record-breaking 2025 Draft Day Series

LITTLE ROCK — Be Pro Be Proud has officially wrapped its 2025 Draft Day series, marking another milestone year in the organization’s ongoing mission to connect students with high-demand, high-paying technical careers. With nine events held across the state this spring, over 5,800 Arkansas high school students gained direct access to in-person interviews and career exploration opportunities. 

Now in its fourth year, the 2025 Draft Day series built on the momentum of past years while expanding reach and impact with more than 5,800 students from over 170 schools and 134 companies participating. Last year’s Draft Day series spanned eight Arkansas regions and included 130 companies and 105 high schools, with over 3,000 students attending. 

“Draft Day is more than just a series of events…it’s a catalyst for change,” said Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud. “By bringing thousands of students face-to-face with real employers and real opportunities, we’re making the future of Arkansas’s workforce more vibrant and tangible than ever. We’re unlocking potential, changing trajectories, and showing students that skilled technical careers are not just an option after high school, but a truly sustainable future.”

Be Pro Be Proud salutes all the industry partners, educators, workforce organizations, and local leaders who made the 2025 series possible. Draft Day is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the Office of Skills Development, and the Arkansas Department of Education. Presenting sponsors across the state included Hytrol, Vantive, ABB, Walmart, ConAgra, Riceland, and Lockheed Martin.  

For more information about Be Pro Be Proud and its ongoing workforce development initiatives, visit beprobeproudar.org.