City of Searcy Recognized with Multiple Arkansas Business Trendsetter Awards
SEARCY, AR – 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.
Winner: Education & Workforce Development – YOU’RE HIRED Student Hiring Event
Searcy received the Trendsetter Award in Education & Workforce Development for the YOU’RE HIRED student hiring event, an innovative and 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 ongoing workforce challenges by preparing high school seniors for meaningful employment immediately after graduation while helping local employers build sustainable talent pipelines. The program connects students with local businesses through structured job interviews, resume development, and professional mentoring.
The program’s growth and impact have been significant:
2024: 30 students participated, resulting in 8 job offers
2025: 80 students from 7 schools connected with 17 businesses offering 35 positions, leading to 15 accepted job offers totaling an estimated $800,000 in combined payroll
2026 Outlook: Interest continues to surge, with invitations extended to 13 high schools and 54 businesses
This initiative highlights Searcy’s collaborative approach to workforce readiness and economic sustainability.
Winner: Technology & Security – Harding University Digital Forensics Lab
Searcy also earned a Trendsetter Award in Technology & Security for the Harding University Digital Forensics Lab, a first-of-its-kind facility in Arkansas.
The lab provides law enforcement agencies across the state with timely, no-cost digital evidence processing and specialized training, helping reduce investigative backlogs and strengthen public safety efforts. In addition to supporting active investigations, the lab plays a key role in workforce development by engaging students and preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
The Digital Forensics Lab represents a powerful partnership between higher education and public safety, extending benefits far beyond Searcy to communities throughout Arkansas.
These awards reflect Searcy’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions that enhance quality of life, support economic growth, and invest in the future workforce.
The City of Searcy congratulates all partners involved in these award-winning initiatives and thanks Arkansas Business for recognizing the impactful work happening in our community.
