Western Arkansas Technical Center
Questions? Contact Us.
Amanda Seidenzahl
- Director
- Amanda%20Seidenzahl
- 479-788-7780
- Mon. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Peak Innovation Center - Room 1006
Your Future Starts Here
Looking for a hands-on, career-focused way to get ahead while still in high school? The Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) at UAFS offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain real-world skills, industry certifications, and college credit—all at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families.
| Apply to WATC TODAY | Request More Information |
Hear from WATC students about how this program changed their futures!
How to Get Started
Taking the next step toward your future is easy! Follow these three simple steps to enroll in the Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) and begin your journey toward a high-demand career.
- Explore Your Options: WATC offers a variety of career and technical education programs across multiple industries. Click on a program in the navigation bar at the top or left side of this page to find the right fit for your future.
- Apply for WATC Admission: Start by completing the application for Early College Program Admission. This is your first step to unlocking college credit and career training while still in high school.
- Meet with your High School Counselor: Once your application and participation agreement are complete, work with your high school counselor to adjust your schedule and make room for your WATC courses. Your counselor will help ensure a smooth transition into WATC.
Why Choose Watc?
WATC works closely with industry leaders to ensure our career and technical education (CTE) programs match actual workforce needs. Our programs align with high-demand industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, welding, and more.
Students train on industry-standard equipment at both UAFS and the state-of-the-art Peak Innovation Center, thanks to a partnership with Fort Smith Public Schools. You’ll work with the latest tools, technology, and software professionals use in the field.
WATC students gain real-world experience, industry certifications, and direct connections to local employers. Many graduates enter the workforce right after high school in high-paying, high-demand fields or continue their education with advanced standing.
Taught by UAFS faculty, WATC courses allow you to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience. This means you graduate high school with a head start on your college degree, saving time and money.
Through strong partnerships with local schools, students can earn college credit and technical certifications at no cost to them or their families.
WATC is available to qualified high school students in the following school districts:
- Alma
- Arkansas Connections Academy
- Booneville
- Cedarville
- Charleston
- Clarksville
- County Line
- Fort Smith Public Schools
- Future School of Fort Smith
- Greenwood
- Hackett
- Johnson County Westside
- Lavaca
- Magazine
- Mansfield
- Mountainburg
- Mulberry/Pleasant View
- Ozark
- Paris
- Premier
- Scranton
- Van Buren
- Waldron
How to Get Started
Taking the next step toward your future is easy! Follow these three simple steps to enroll in the Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) and begin your journey toward a high-demand career.
- Explore Your Options: WATC offers a variety of career and technical education programs across multiple industries. Click on a program in the navigation bar at the top or left side of this page to find the right fit for your future.
- Apply for WATC Admission: Start by completing the application for Early College Program Admission. This is your first step to unlocking college credit and career training while still in high school.
- Meet with your High School Counselor: Once your application and participation agreement are complete, work with your high school counselor to adjust your schedule and make room for your WATC courses. Your counselor will help ensure a smooth transition into WATC.