Arkansas law requires all funding applications be submitted and processed BEFORE training begins.  Retroactive funding is prohibited.  If you start a class before your application is approved, you will be responsible for the full cost of tuition.

Please apply early!

Workforce Challenge

The Workforce Challenge scholarship assists with the cost of workforce training in high-demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry. Classes may be credit-based or non-credit workforce-training classes.

• Requirements including award amounts
• Click on the Workforce Challenge Program List to see which BRTC programs are eligible
• Apply on the state's Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS)
• PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently receiving the Academic Challenge (Lottery) scholarship, you are not eligible for this scholarship. Accepting this award will void your Challenge scholarship.

Application Steps

NOTE:  You must apply for this scholarship before the training begins.

1. Create a SAMS profile using your personal email address
2. Verify your SAMS account after you create it.
3. After verifiation, login to SAMS if you are not already.
4. Select only the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship.
5. In the Institutional dropdown box, select Black River Tech College.  This will link your funds.
6. Submit the application.

You will receive an email upon awarding of the scholarship.

How to Accept the Scholarship

Once you are awarded, you will receive an email from SAMS.  You must accept the funds before they will be released to the College for your training.

Please note the acceptance periods below.

1. Login to SAMS
2. Click accept.

Your funds have been accepted and will be released to the College.

Acceptance Periods

As of Fall 2026, please note the following:

• If enrolled for Fall Semester, accept the scholarship between August - November.
• If enrolled for Spring Semester, accept the scholarship between December - May.
• If enrolled for Summer Semester, accept the scholarship between June - July.

Award Coverage

Currently, the scholarship covers the following:

• tuition,
• fees,
• books,
• course materials, and
• required equipment.

Problems with Workforce Challenge

If you run into problems with an email address or application, contact the Workforce Challenge Scholarship office at (501) 371-2000.