About
The University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) received a three-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation to support the development and implementation of the Community Development Pipeline program. The vision of the Community Development Pipeline program is to train community leaders on foundational community and economic development principles, positively impact and uplift the economies and quality of life of communities whose leaders participate in the program, and develop new relationships that build bridges across Arkansas communities. The Community Development Pipeline program will provide training and technical assistance to community leaders in Washington and Benton counties.
Community Development Pipeline Program (2026 – 2028)
The application for the Community Development Pipeline 2.0 program (2026 – 2028) is now open!
Are you interested in growing your community and economic development expertise, building a network of leaders from across Arkansas and the nation, and accessing free training and technical assistance resources for your community and organization? Apply to be a member of the Community Development Pipeline 2.0 cohort! A new cohort of 25 leaders will be selected to participate from Spring 2026 through Fall 2028. Participants will be chosen through an application process (and interview process if needed) using the following metrics: field of work, experience, professional goals, desire to participate in the program, geography, and other demographics.
The program is open to leaders who reside or work in Benton or Washington counties.
Participants selected for the next cohort will receive:
-
A three-year scholarship (Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3) and travel expense support to the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute (CDI)
-
The opportunity and support to become certified as a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED)
-
Access to a variety of technical assistance support services for their community (based on community needs)
-
Networking opportunities with leaders across the region, state, and nation
The application deadline for the next cohort is February 13, 2026.
You can view frequently asked questions about the program HERE.
If you have questions, please contact UCA CCED staff.
Apply Now!
Community Development Pipeline Program (2023 – 2025)
Twenty-two (22) community leaders from Benton and Washington counties completed the Community Development Pipeline program (2023 – 2025). Join us in celebrating this cohort on their achievements through the program! You can learn more about the program’s impact on this cohort HERE.
Read the press release announcing the participants HERE.
Testimonials:
