Cox Communications donates $100,000 to Peak Innovation Center

BusinessEducationFort Smith

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) May 2, 2022 4:19 pm 609 views 

Cox Communications Fort Smith donated $100,000 to Fort Smith Public School’s Peak Innovation Center for a new career center and to support three network engineering technology classrooms.

“The COX Career Center will connect students to business and industry through robust communication efforts,” said an FSPS press release.

Students will learn application processes, interviewing skills, resume writing, and other post-secondary preparation activities through the classes.

“The space will also support community engagement and service-learning projects to enhance relationships among students and business partners,” the news release said.

The COX Career Center also will be an area where community partners and economic development professionals can meet with students and parents. The center will provide students a place to connect and network with business partners in the region. It will allow students a place to find employment, learn about various companies, prepare for interviews, work on credentials, build their resume and more. said Stephanie Freeman, FSPS career development facilitator.

“I am excited on the behalf of COX to partner with Peak Innovation Center. Our goals align beautifully with the future of technology, and also the future of technology as it ties to employment in Fort Smith and our region,” said Tina Gabbard, vice president and market leader with COX Communications in Arkansas.

The Peak Innovation Center includes specialized lab spaces and classrooms for courses in healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Education programs at the center are available to approximately 43,000 total students from 22 regional school districts. The programs are designed to equip career and college-bound students with real-world skills so they can secure high-paying jobs and/or pursue higher education in their chosen fields.

FSPS has received numerous gifts and grants for the center, including $1 million from ABB’s Fort Smith operation, $1 million from Fort Smith-based ArcBest, and $500,000 each from Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Mercy Fort Smith.