Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center

The Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center in Jonesboro is a collaborative effort among Arkansas State University, ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College to serve Northeast Arkansas high school students and employers who need job-ready talent.

A $10.5-million, 20,000-square-foot first phase of the CREST Center was approved by the ASU System Board of Trustees on Sept. 12, 2025, and will be built to enhance workforce training opportunities in advanced manufacturing, food processing and steel production. The programs offer stackable credentials that can be earned step by step, helping participants build valuable industry skills.

The CREST Center, designed to become a 70,000-square-foot facility over three phases, received a $7.5 million grant from the Arkansas Department of Commerce Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program.

A-State Chancellor Todd Shields and Dr. Robin Myers, the project lead and former interim ASU System president, say programming is already under way with facility construction being the next step.

ASU System President Brendan Kelly says the project is part of the ASU System’s commitment to increase educational and workforce training opportunities.

“The ASU System connects with employer partners and helps students acquire the education and capabilities needed for current talent needs, as well as the future of work,” Kelly says. “We are setting the stage for graduates to remain in their communities and Arkansas. Our job in the ASU System is to embrace a constantly changing world and evolve to ensure we are providing educational experiences – from technical to professional – that equip graduates for the demands of the economy in the 21st century. From cutting-edge research initiatives to skilled workforce training, the ASU System is working to meet the demands of our rapidly evolving economy.”

Mark Young, CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, says: “This investment marks the greatest opportunity we’ve had in workforce development in my entire career. It makes a positive impact on future workers and changes lives for the better.”

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said the CREST Center project is “ . . . a real team effort. A lot of people were willing to break down silos and bring people to the table. At the core, they want this community to be better place to live. Education is key to that.”

Credits earned through CREST transfer toward a four-year degree at A-State, creating a seamless education pathway. Open to students, workers, and underemployed individuals, CREST also provides support such as career mentoring, childcare, and transportation assistance to help participants succeed.