OBRE at A-State

06/04/2026

This week's is focused on the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas AWARE project. Through coordination, training, and a commitment to systems-level change, Arkansas AWARE is helping build a stronger, more responsive network of support for students across Arkansas.

A notable component of the project is their statewide training. Each year, thousands of school staff, students, and community members are becoming better able to recognize and respond to student mental health needs, support their well-being, and promote safer school environments! For example, 97% of those who have attended AWARE’s Youth Mental Health First trainings say they now know how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.

We’re grateful for partners like ADE and Arkansas AWARE who are committed to expanding access and improving outcomes for youth and communities.

06/01/2026

Meet Sara Kregul, one of our Evaluation Team Members!

: Celebrating the people who make OBRE a great place to work

05/28/2026

The HART Task Force is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations come together for a shared purpose. Led by Arisa Health, the task force unites mental health providers, law enforcement, and community services; they are improving access to support for individuals in crisis.

In fact, 91% of HART partners report taking a great deal or quite a bit of pride in their involvement—reflecting the strength of this collaboration.

Partners highlight HART’s success in communication, connecting people to resources, and bringing diverse groups together. They say that the work is helping vulnerable populations by reducing unnecessary jail time, improving access to services, and supporting pathways to shelter.

We’re grateful for partners like HART who are committed to care, coordination, and impact.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

This week's is the NSF-funded UandI-DEECoDE project at Arkansas State University!

This program unites the fields of invasion biology, disease ecology, and data science to help students develop an interdisciplinary approach to research. From predicting the spread of invasive species to understanding disease dynamics, UandI-DEECoDE is accelerating discovery through true interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, mentorship, data science training, and international research opportunities.

With support for 80+ students across undergraduate and graduate levels, the program is building a diverse, highly skilled scientific workforce equipped with computational tools, real-world research experience, and global awareness. As one student recently said, “I have learned important skills for my career, such as collaboration, writing, communicating, presenting, and much more.”

OBRE is proud to partner with UandI-DEECoDE to help support this kind of forward-thinking, student-centered work.

05/18/2026

Meet Sheila Stowers, our Associate Director!

: Celebrating the people who make OBRE a great place to work

05/14/2026

For our first , we’d like to give a shoutout to ASU-Newport for leading the charge in workforce innovation through their NSF-funded CAMPP Project. CAMPP is enhancing Advanced Manufacturing education in northeast Arkansas by integrating cutting-edge technologies that today’s industries are asking for, such as robotics and automation.

With strong input from regional employers, ASUN is addressing real workforce gaps by creating opportunities for students, supporting local industries, and helping incumbent workers upskill and reskill for the future. In a recent survey we conducted, 100% of the incumbent workers who have participated in the CAMPP apprenticeship say they have learned new skills and that it was a valuable experience!

ASU-N CAMPP’s impact is sure to be felt across the manufacturing corridor and we are happy to be a partner!

05/11/2026

Meet Christy Brinkley, our Director!

: Celebrating the people who make OBRE a great place to work

05/04/2026

We're excited to start sharing more about the people and projects behind the OBRE office at A-State!

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be highlighting our incredible team members, along with spotlights on some of our projects that are making an impact across Arkansas.

Stay tuned for our first Meet the Team feature coming soon!

05/01/2026

Although we work with a variety of projects, one question always comes up as part of the conversation..."how are we going to sustain the work we are doing once grant funding ends?" Well, Arkansas AWARE is making great strides in that department! Please help them out by going and liking the new Arkansas Center for School Mental Health page!