Student Finds Success in Construction Industry After Graduating from Vilonia Pathways Program

Three years ago, Madison Finch had never even considered going into the construction industry.

Just after graduating high school, the Vilonia native already has a successful full-time job as well as an associate degree after becoming one of the first graduates of the Vilonia Pathways Program.

The program is a partnership between Vilonia Pathways Academy and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that allows students to earn an associate degree in construction science while still in high school.

"Being able to finish high school with both a diploma and an associate degree seemed unreal," Finch said. "This is my biggest accomplishment so far, and it made me realize that I am capable of much more than I thought. It wasn't the easiest to accomplish, but it was worth the hard work."

Cathy Riggins, retired assistant superintendent of Vilonia Public Schools who helped launch the concurrent program, said this program is a great example of how schools can work together to create a beneficial program that meets the needs of students while drawing workers to a growing industry.

"When you put students at the center, this is a prime example of what can happen," Riggins said. "People in the construction industry are some of the best people I've ever worked with in my life. This program is a great opportunity for students to live the American dream and have the kind of life they've always wanted by working for a great Arkansas company and fulfilling a workforce development need. We all worked together to create something that is truly beneficial to students and the construction industry."

[Link]Dr. Hank Bray, chair of the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering at UA Little Rock, congratulates Madison Finch on earning her associate degree.

Finch decided to join Vilonia Pathways Academy with her older brother. The two siblings made honor roll together, and he went on to work in the heat and air industry after graduating in 2023. While attending Vilonia Pathways Academy, Finch worked at Weaver Bailey Contractors in Conway as an intern.

"This internship allowed me to start working in all parts of the company," Finch said. "This included project management, human resources, accounting, safety, and much more. By the time I graduated, I already knew what I wanted to do."

After earning her high school diploma from Vilonia Pathways Academy and her associate degree from UA Little Rock this spring, Finch was hired as a full-time safety technician at Weaver Bailey Contractors.

"Having this degree has helped me get the job I have now and has also opened up so many opportunities for me," Finch said. "I have been offered jobs, and I feel like I'm a step ahead of most people my age. I'm gaining experience right now while some kids are still trying to figure out what they want to do."

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