LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 7, 2025) – The Academies of Central Arkansas has announced the launch of the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction at Mills University Studies High School. This innovative collaboration among Lexicon, Inc., Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD), and Mills University Studies High School marks a significant milestone in expanding the Academies model across the region.
The Lexicon Academy will offer students robust, real-world learning experiences throughout all four years of high school. Beginning with the freshman seminar, students will engage in authentic career exploration activities, such as welding training, mentorship and educational opportunities with industry professionals. They will also participate in the annual Academies of Central Arkansas Career Expo event, which brings together business leaders like those from Lexicon, Inc. to connect with ninth graders through hands-on, engaging interactions.
This academic year, students have participated in industry tours, job shadowing experiences, career mentoring and mock interviews, and look forward to potential future internships — all made possible through this strategic partnership with Lexicon, Inc. As seniors, students will work toward earning concurrent credit, gaining industry-recognized certifications and completing a capstone project co-designed by Lexicon, Inc. experts and faculty at Mills University Studies High School.
“At Lexicon, we believe in building more than just bridges and buildings — we believe in building people,” said Patrick Schueck, CEO of Lexicon, Inc. “The students at Mills University Studies High School represent the future of our industry, and we are proud to support them through hands-on training, mentorship and real-world learning. The Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction is a commitment to empowering young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed in high-demand trades. We’re honored to help train this next generation of builders, problem- solvers and innovators right here in Central Arkansas.”
The Academies of Central Arkansas is a regional initiative uniting the Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville North Pulaski, and Pulaski County Special School Districts with the support of business leaders and the five Pulaski County chambers of commerce. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has reimagined high school education to better align with workforce needs and student interests.
"We are proud to partner with Lexicon to launch the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing & Construction," said Dr. Guess, interim superintendent for PCSSD. Partnerships like the one between Lexicon and Mills University Studies High School are vital to preparing our students for success beyond the classroom. When local businesses invest in our schools, they’re investing in the future of our entire community, bringing real-world relevance to our classrooms and opening doors to life-changing opportunities."
“This partnership reflects exactly what the Academies of Central Arkansas were built to do — connect students with meaningful opportunities that prepare them for high-wage, high-demand careers right here in central Arkansas,” said Jay Chesshir, president & CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “Lexicon’s investment in our young people is not only strengthening the workforce pipeline; it’s also helping to transform lives for generations to come, and that’s all taking place on campus at Mills University Studies High School thanks to this exciting partnership.”
The Academies of Central Arkansas continues to redefine the high school experience to be more personalized, relevant, and career-connected. The Little Rock Regional Chamber remains actively engaged in recruiting additional business partners to join this growing effort. Interested companies can learn more by visiting www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org or contacting the Chamber directly.
About Academies of Central Arkansas
The Academies of Central Arkansas is an initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber and utilizes the Academies model of teaching and learning. It is being implemented wall-to-wall within all four public school districts in Pulaski County. The model transforms the public high school experience by blending core academics with career and technical education. Students see relevance and better engage with their math, science, English, and social studies when taught through the lens of an occupation or industry theme that interests them. This model connects students’ learning with real world applications, preparing them not only for college, but for career and life. For more info, visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.
About Lexicon, Inc.
The Lexicon family of companies provides a wide range of services, including construction management, steel fabrication, erection, mechanical installation and plant maintenance for heavy industrial, commercial and bridge projects, as well as a full spectrum of golf course construction, renovation and management services. Proudly based in Little Rock, the company includes Custom Metals, Prospect Steel, Steel Fabricators of Monroe, Lexicon Construction Management, Lexicon Energy Services, Lexicon Industrial Constructors, Lexicon Industrial Maintenance, Heritage Links and Universal. For more information, visit lexicon-inc.com.
About Mills University Studies High School
Mills University Studies High School is located in the southeast quadrant of Pulaski County. Our state of the art facilities are attractive and reputable. We anticipate great opportunities for our stakeholders in all areas and the sky’s the limit for our students.