Cargill gives $50,000 to Ignite Springdale for workforce training

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce received a $50,000 grant from Cargill Inc., a turkey processing company located in the city, to support workforce training initiatives of the Ignite Springdale economic and community development program.

The grant will also be used to promote increased enrollment by Springdale students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses which are needed by manufacturers today.

The grant will support the development and implementation of an annual program to bring employers and educators together to identify current skills needs. The Cargill contribution will also help ensure high school students and their parents are provided relevant information regarding career opportunities available to them in Springdale and the required curriculum.

“We are pleased to play a key role in our community’s efforts to improve skills training for our students. This program’s emphasis on promoting STEM education is a vital component in preparing tomorrow’s workforce for their future careers.” said Shane Acosta, complex manager at the Cargill processing plant in Springdale.

Cargill Turkey and Cooked Meats is based in Wichita, Kansas and operates processing facilities in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and Virginia. The Springdale complex was established in 1965 and employs more than 1,100 people. In the past year, the facility has donated more than $125,000 and more than 5,000 volunteer hours to local organizations.