Upskill Grads Seeing $33K Salary Increase
September 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Upskill NWA Graduates See Average of $33,000 Salary Increase - New Recruiting Cycles Now Open
Northwest Arkansas, September 9th, 2025 - Upskill NWA, a national award-winning program of Excellerate Foundation that connects local residents to high-demand, higher-wage careers, is excited to announce the launch of new recruiting cycles for 2025 and beyond. Developed in partnership with Walton Family Foundation and other community collaborators, Upskill NWA is transforming lives by opening doors to opportunity and building a stronger regional workforce.
A PROGRAM THAT CHANGES LIVES
Since its launch, Upskill NWA has already made a remarkable impact on the region:
- 373 participants have been served
- 88% of participants graduate
- 90% job placement rate placed in Northwest Arkansas
- $33,000 increase in household income for the average graduate
By providing tuition support, personalized career guidance, and wraparound services, Upskill NWA partners with local colleges, healthcare systems, and Hark NWA to create direct pathways to fulfilling, family-sustaining jobs.
“Upskill NWA exists to remove barriers and open doors,” said Carol Silva Moralez, President / CEO of Upskill NWA. “By expanding our recruiting cycles, we’re making sure that anyone ready to take the next step toward a higher-paying, life-changing career can do so without waiting an entire year.”
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Starting immediately, applications are officially open for three convenient semester-based entry points:
- Spring Semester – Application Deadline: October 15
- Summer Semester – Application Deadline: March 15
- Fall Semester – Application Deadline: June 15
Those who are interested and eligible can learn more and apply at www.UpskillNWA.com.
With this new admission structure, more residents across Northwest Arkansas will have the chance to begin their career journey on a timeline that works for them.
ABOUT UPSKILL NWA
Upskill NWA is a workforce development initiative launched by Excellerate Foundation and Walton Family Foundation designed to help Northwest Arkansas residents access training, education, and support services that lead to high-demand, high-wage careers. By removing barriers and providing holistic support, Upskill NWA is building a stronger community, one participant at a time.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION & INTERVIEWS
For more information or to schedule an interview with Upskill NWA, please contact Ali Johnson, Director of Marketing, Excellerate Foundation. Ali can be reached at ali.johnson@excelleratefoundation.com.
