The City of Searcy has once again been recognized by Arkansas Business as a Trendsetter City, earning top honors in two categories for innovative programs that strengthen education, workforce development, technology, and public safety across the region.
Searcy received the Trendsetter Award for Education & Workforce Development for the YOU’RE HIRED student hiring event, a community-driven initiative led by the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development and Education Committee.
Launched in 2024, YOU’RE HIRED was designed to address workforce shortages by preparing high school seniors for meaningful employment immediately after graduation while helping local employers develop sustainable talent pipelines. The program connects students with local businesses through structured interviews, résumé development, and professional mentoring.
The program’s impact has grown rapidly:
• 2024: 30 students participated, resulting in eight job offers.
• 2025: 80 students from seven schools connected with 17 businesses offering 35 positions, leading to 15 accepted job offers totaling an estimated $800,000 in combined payroll.
• 2026 Outlook: Invitations have expanded to 13 high schools and 54 businesses as interest continues to surge.
Searcy also earned a Trendsetter Award for Technology & Security for the Harding University Digital Forensics Lab — the first facility of its kind in Arkansas.
The lab provides law enforcement agencies statewide with timely, no-cost digital evidence processing and specialized training, helping reduce investigative backlogs and strengthen public safety. The program also supports workforce development by engaging students and preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.
City leaders say the recognition reflects Searcy’s strong partnerships between education, business, and public safety agencies, creating long-term benefits that extend well beyond the community.
“These awards highlight Searcy’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions that improve quality of life and strengthen economic opportunity,” city officials said.
The City of Searcy congratulated all partners involved in the award-winning initiatives and thanked Arkansas Business for recognizing the impactful work happening locally.
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