Student-athlete program kicks off December 9 with athletic assessments, career development, and community engagement.
WRIGHTSVILLE, Ark. — Sports Power Infrastructure Arkansas, in partnership with the City of Wrightsville, Tough Choices Foundation, and The SPIN Foundation, announces a 12-session program connecting student-athletes in grades 6–12 with workforce and supplier career opportunities through athletic assessments, predictive data analytics, and hands-on training.
Beginning December 9, 2026, at the Sen. Bill Walker Jr. City of Wrightsville Gymnasium, the program supports Athletes Make The Best Top 100 Arkansas, which recognizes excellence in athletic performance, education, leadership, and career readiness among youth and adults.
Sports Power Infrastructure Arkansas Launch Week: December 8–12
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December 8 — Virtual Open House: Informational sessions and Q&A from noon to 1 PM and 7 to 8 PM.
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December 9–10 — Program Kickoff: Student-athlete sessions in Wrightsville.
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December 11 — Athletes Make The Best Business After Hours: A networking event in downtown Little Rock connecting athlete-owned businesses with regional opportunities.
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December 12 — Community Pep Rally + Combine: Hosted by Tough Choices Foundation in Wrightsville, welcoming youth, adults, and seniors.
Building Arkansas' Infrastructure Workforce
In 2025, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced 32 projects expected to create 3,953 jobs and generate $6.7 billion in investment. The initiative prepares future workers and suppliers to participate in this growth while advancing the principles of Hire American. Buy American. Invest American.
"The future of Wrightsville depends on the opportunities we create for our young people today. This initiative connects the discipline and skills student-athletes develop through sports to meaningful careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We are proud to bring this opportunity to Wrightsville and help prepare our next generation to participate in Arkansas' growing economy," said Mayor Derrick Rainey of the City of Wrightsville.
"Sports develop more than athletes. They build discipline, accountability, teamwork, and resilience. Through this partnership, we are giving young people hands-on experiences, access to industry environments, and opportunities to see firsthand the careers and industries available to them. Our goal is to help student-athletes translate their strengths into meaningful career pathways," said Te'von Coney, Founder of Tough Choices Foundation.
"Building a stronger workforce starts with creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential. Through Sports Power Infrastructure Arkansas, we are connecting education, career readiness, and supplier development to real economic opportunities. Our goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of future workers, entrepreneurs, and local businesses that can compete and grow alongside Arkansas' infrastructure investments," said Renita Certain, Co-Founder of The SPIN Foundation.
"Athletes make the best welders, project managers, HVAC technicians, and entrepreneurs. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership developed through sports are essential to building America's infrastructure. Through Sports Power Infrastructure Arkansas, we use technology and hands-on experiences to help athletes turn their talents into careers, businesses, and economic opportunities," said Tenicka Chaney, Partner at Sports Power Infrastructure.
From Athletic Performance to Economic Opportunity
Students explore careers in energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, maritime, film and television production, and tourism while completing a Community Needs Assessment and the Sports Power Infrastructure Supply Chain Challenge.
The program concludes January 27–28, 2027, with student-hosted Workforce + Supplier Days, connecting residents with employers, contractors, and suppliers under the theme Careers. Contracts. Community Benefits.
Registration and Program Information
Who Can Participate: Student-athletes in grades 6–12. The December 12 Community Pep Rally + Combine also welcomes youth, adults, and seniors.
Program Sessions: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM, beginning December 9, 2026. The 12-session schedule concludes with Workforce + Supplier Days on January 27–28, 2027.
Registration: https://www.sportspowerinfrastructure.com/location/arkansas
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