Flipping the Switch: How ARVA Helped One Student Discover a Future in the Electrical Trade 

For Malaki, a high school senior this fall at Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA), opportunity came in the form of a toolbox, a textbook and a supportive school community determined to help him succeed. 

Malaki, who lives in Stuttgart, Arkansas, is among only five students statewide who participated in a pre-apprenticeship program through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) this past school year. His placement was with Staley Electric of Little Rock, where he spent Tuesday evenings learning the fundamentals of electrical work, from wiring wall outlets to understanding how different electrical systems operate. 

“I wasn’t really interested at first,” Malaki said. “But I started looking into it more, and I saw there’s a lot you can do as an electrician. Residential, industrial, commercial — it’s different. I started liking it.” 

Originally, Malaki planned to graduate early and enlist in the military. But Lisa Short, ARVA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Administrator, provided career options he hadn’t considered. She met with Malaki and other students, encouraging them to consider staying at ARVA for another year to take part in career development programs like pre-apprenticeships. 

A Helping Hand 

Lisa also made sure transportation barriers wouldn’t stand in Malaki’s way. She applied for and received a $4,000 Educators Innovations Club grant through Stride Inc., ARVA’s curriculum partner, which helps pay for in-person learning opportunities for students. Using a portion of this grant, Lisa purchased Walmart gift cards for Malaki to help offset gas costs for the weekly trips to Little Rock. 

“I really appreciate Miss Lisa and the school for helping with gas money and food,” Malaki said. “A lot of kids don’t get help like that. Where I’m from, the public school doesn’t help kids with stuff like that. You have to go find it yourself.” 

Malaki balanced the pre-apprenticeship with his job at a local fast food restaurant. Recently, he bought his first car and has passed his driver’s test. This milestone will unlock even more opportunities. He hopes to move into the ABC’s youth apprenticeship program this fall, which would allow him to work for companies like Staley Electric or NabCo of Conway, earning wages while continuing his education. 

“I want to wait until August before deciding where to apply,” Malaki said. “That way, more companies will be hiring when school starts back. I want to make sure I find the company that’s the best fit for me.” 

Building Career-Ready Skills 

Lisa says Malaki’s success illustrates how ARVA’s CTE program helps students build real-world skills that lead directly to meaningful careers. 

“These youth apprenticeships are so important because they support kids while they’re still in school,” she said. “Had Malaki graduated early, this path would have been a lot harder to access. Through ARVA, he’s tied to a school district that supports him, and companies are eager to hire students like him.” 

Looking ahead, Malaki plans to launch into his apprenticeship in August. Whether he pursues electrical work or explores other trades like plumbing, Malaki says he’s already feeling confident in his choice. 

“I’m already loving it,” he said. “It’s just a good feeling knowing I have another option.” 

At ARVA, students like Malaki are proving that education can be flexible, personalized and career-focused. By combining academic coursework with hands-on learning and industry partnerships, ARVA’s CTE program is giving students the tools — and the confidence — they need to build brighter futures.  

Want to help your student find their path to success through a personalized learning experience that supports their goals? Visit our How it Works page to learn more about our curriculum and college and career prep program, and enroll today!