GENTRY, AR -- Gentry High School students with an interest in culinary arts toured Brightwater in Bentonville today, gaining firsthand exposure to postsecondary education and career opportunities in the growing food and hospitality industry.
Brightwater, an academic department of NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), offers hands-on academic and career training in culinary nutrition, artisanal food, beverage management, and food entrepreneurship. During the visit, students explored facilities and learned about programs such as Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Artisanal Food, and Artisanal Butchery—programs designed to prepare students for both immediate workforce entry and continued education.
The visit was organized by Gentry Public Schools’ college and career coaching team as part of the district’s ongoing effort to help students plan for life after high school, whether that path leads to college, technical training, or the workforce.
“Our goal is to help students see the many possibilities available to them and understand that there’s more than one path to success,” said Melissa Fullmer, college and career coach at Gentry High School. “Experiences like the Brightwater visit allow students to connect their interests to real careers and educational opportunities, making their future goals feel both attainable and exciting.”
The Brightwater tour is one of many initiatives offered by Gentry Public Schools to promote career readiness and real-world preparation. The district provides a variety of career coaching programs, including Adulting 101, which equips students with essential life skills such as job interview techniques, résumé building, and financial literacy through hands-on sessions led by local professionals.
Gentry Public Schools also hosts College fairs and Industry Day, giving students the opportunity to connect directly with regional and local universities, colleges, trade schools and businesses to learn about in-demand careers within the region. In addition, the district partners with the Gentry Fire Department to provide students with training in emergency response, allowing them to earn certifications while exploring careers in emergency services.
“These experiences are intentional,” Fullmer added. “We want students to graduate feeling confident, informed, and prepared, whether they choose college, technical training, or to enter the workforce right away.”
Through partnerships with higher education institutions, local businesses, and community organizations, Gentry Public Schools continues to expand opportunities that help students explore careers, develop practical skills, and envision successful futures.