May 6, 2025
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: Crowder McDonald County partners with UpSkill NWA
Jane, MO – Crowder College – McDonald County and UpSkill NWA have signed an agreement to collaborate to utilize a referral system to assist and support underemployed adults with the desire to earn a diploma or certificate in various healthcare professions.
This partnership will increase access and success rates of students and underemployed adult through a strengthened and guided recruitment, onboarding, advising and academic support process. The goal is to create a pipeline of underemployed adult who enroll in and graduate from high-demand workforce programs.
“The opportunity to partner with a program such as UpSkill NWA will allow Crowder to continue to build strong workforce and education partnerships along the I-49 corridor. We are excited for this collaborative effort to assist northwest Arkansas learners with their employment potential,” stated Dr. Chett Daniel, President, Crowder College. “Our McDonald County Instructional Center provides northwest Arkansas residents another option for workforce training without paying out-of-state tuition. This is another example of how strong partnerships prevent state boundaries from becoming barriers to career opportunities.”
“Upskill NWA is proud to add Crowder College to our growing ecosystem,“ stated Carol Silva Moralez, President / CEO, Upskill NWA. “Building strong regional collaborative partnerships helps to strengthen workforce readiness and promotes sustainable economic mobility, benefiting individuals, families, and the Northwest Arkansas region.”
Crowder College
Crowder College is a two-year community college providing training to enter the workforce and degrees that transfer to four-year universities. The college provides over 80 degree and program certificates at its locations. The main campus is located in Neosho, MO, with the McDonald County Center providing easy access to Northwest Arkansas communities. Other locations for the college include: Cassville, Joplin, Nevada, and Webb City.
Upskill NWA recruits low-income, non-traditional students and covers all training costs, including tuition, books, fees, and equipment. Each student is paired with a dedicated Career Navigator who offers mentorship, guidance, and connects them to essential wraparound services to support their success.
Upskill NWA’ s sectoral – based workforce development model provides access to education and moves low-income wage earners into high demand, high wage jobs in healthcare by engaging and activating employment partners, education partners, and social service support partners to achieve measurable and positive economic results in the Northwest Arkansas region. This holistic approach lifts individuals out of low-wage work and promotes long-term economic mobility.
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Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by Cindy
