Let's get started!  Learn more about eligibility requirements.  Career Pathways team members welcome your questions and stand ready to assist in completing  an application.

Are you the parent or legal guardian of at least one child that resides in Arkansas and is under the age of 21? (This includes being either the custodial or noncustodial parent.)

If yes, you may be eligible for Career Pathways. Proceed to next question.

Do you receive services under the following programs OR have a household income of less than 250% of the current federal proverty level?

Programs: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program); Medicaid; CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) (ArKids First); SSI (Supplemental Security Income); SSD (Social Security Disability); WIC (Women, Infants, & Children); HUD (Housing & Urban Development)/Section 8 housing; or be a current or former TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance)?

Income: Based on the gross income as reported on the  previous year’s tax return.  Those who fall below 250% of the current federal poverty level meet income eligibility requiremnts for Career Pathways assistance.

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Family Size (Parents and Dependents) -  Gross Annual Income as Reported on the Previous Year's Tax Return

• 2 - $54,100
• 3 - $68,300
• 4 - $82,500
• 5 - $96,700
• 6 - $110,900
• 7 - $125,100
• 8 - $139,300

For each additional person:

Add $5,680 when at 100% poverty level.

Add $14,200 when at 250% of poverty level.

 

If yes, you may be eligible for Career Pathways. Proceed to next question. 

Are you seeking an Associate Degree, Technical Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency, Continuing Education Career Training Certificate, or GED at UA Cossatot and meet the following requirements?

• You have not yet earned an Associate Degree.
• You have fewer than 80 college credit hours.
• You have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid for credit programs.
• You are not in default on any federal student loans.
• If you are a current or former UA Cossatot student, you are in good academic standing with the college.

If yes, you may be eligible for Career Pathways assistance. Proceed to next question. 

Are you willing to seek employment upon completing college?

If yes, you may be eligible for Career Pathways assistance. Proceed to next question. 

Only those who are actively seeking, or willing to seek, employment are eligible for Career Pathways assistance.

For Career Pathways assistance with professional skills trainining offered by Continuing Education, you will need to bring all applicable documentation listed below before you can fill out an application with a Career Pathways representative:

• A signed copy of your most recent tax return (1040 form) - signed by both spouses if filed jointly
• Official letter form DHS verifying any assistance received (ARKids, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.)
• Proof of DWS benefits (Unemployment, WIA, TEA, etc.)
• Arkansas Driver’s License/ID card
• Social Security card
• Children’s Social Security cards, or birth certificate if newborn
• High school transcript, diploma or GED

For help with college credit courses towards a Certificate of Proficiency, Technical Certificate or Associate Degree, you will need to bring all applicable documentation listed below before you can fill out an application with a Career Pathways representative:

• A signed copy of your most recent tax return (1040 form) - signed by both spouses if filed jointly
• A copy of your FAFSA, SAR or Pell Grant award letter
• Official letter from DHS verifying any assistance received (ARKids, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.)
• Proof of DWS benefits (Unemployment, WIA, TEA, etc.)
• Arkansas Driver’s License/ID card
• Social Security card
• Children’s Social Security cards, or birth certificate if newborn
• High school transcript, diploma or GED
• Transcripts from all colleges you have attended
• Class schedule and unofficial college transcript from UA Cossatot if already registered or enrolled

*Career Pathways eligibility decision is valid for one (1) year from the date of application*

Crystal Bell-Hunter, Career Pathways Director, is available on the Ashdown Campus on Mondays and on the De Queen Campus Tuesday through Friday.
Phone: 870-584-1119
Email: chunter@cccua.edu

Linda Young, Career Pathways Site Coordinator, is available on the Nashville Campus Monday through Friday.
Phone: 870-584-1328
Email: lyoung@cccua.edu

Hanna Honeycutt, Career Pathways Site Coordinator, is available on the De Queen Campus Monday through Friday.
Phone: 870-584-1169
Email: hhoneycutt@cccua.edu

Both current and prospective participants may also contact the Career Pathways Department at careerpathways@cccua.edu.