Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the introduction of Arkansas LAUNCH, a new skills-based platform designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. The free-to-use platform aims to make employment searches more efficient while helping businesses find skilled workers quickly and easily.
A New Tool for Workforce Growth
Governor Sanders emphasized that Arkansas LAUNCH will be instrumental in boosting workforce participation across the state.
“Arkansas LAUNCH will connect employers and job seekers, helping grow our workforce and empower Arkansans to get off the sidelines and into the job market,” said Governor Sanders. “This free platform will not only help connect people to existing jobs they qualify for but also show them pathways to up-skill so they can keep moving up the ladder.”
The system is designed around a skills-matching model, ensuring that job seekers are paired with careers suited to their abilities. Users can also explore available training options to expand their skills and increase their earning potential.
“LAUNCH unlocks visibility of employment for job seekers,” said Mike Rogers, Arkansas’ Chief Workforce Officer. “Employers are able to invite qualified candidates to apply. Arkansas knows that skills competency is the currency that employers value.”
Support from Major Organizations
The initiative has gained strong support from prominent businesses and organizations that recognize the potential of Arkansas LAUNCH to strengthen the state’s workforce.
Julie Gehrki, President of the Walmart Foundation and Senior Vice President at Walmart, highlighted the importance of the project:
“Arkansas is Walmart’s home. We employ over 57,000 people here, and we’re proud to play a role in helping all workers across the state access opportunities to be successful and realize their American dream. We think LAUNCH is one of the most comprehensive approaches we’ve seen and we are excited about the impact it will make for Arkansans.”
Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, stating that the program will be a game-changer in the employment sector.
“LAUNCH will help employers find the talent they need and employees find the opportunities they want. This will enable more Arkansans to realize their economic potential while pursuing their own American Dream.”
Expanding Opportunities with Technology
Since its launch, the platform has already attracted significant engagement. A total of 11,257 unique users have visited the site, generating 34,646 clicks on job postings. Currently, there are 5,777 job openings available from 634 different employers.
One of the key features of Arkansas LAUNCH is its integration with CiviForm, an open-source tool that simplifies the process of applying for multiple government services. This function allows job seekers to enroll in training and workforce development programs directly through the platform.
Google has played a significant role in developing this feature, providing pro bono support through Google.org Fellows—a team of designers, engineers, and researchers.
“Technology can be a powerful equalizer in connecting people with opportunity,” said Dan Peterson, Director of Product Management at Google.org. “We’re proud to support Arkansas LAUNCH by enabling users to sign up for services through CiviForm, demonstrating how private companies can support the public sector to deliver impactful, innovative solutions that benefit everyone.”
Backed by Research and Innovation
The development of Arkansas LAUNCH was made possible through funding from Walmart and support from RIPL (Research Improving People’s Lives). RIPL is a nonprofit dedicated to using data and technology to improve public services and create innovative solutions for government programs.
With this new initiative, Arkansas is taking significant strides toward enhancing workforce development, improving employment accessibility, and equipping job seekers with the tools they need to succeed.
For more details or to explore job opportunities, visit launch.arkansas.gov.
