Explore Success has been held in Hope since 2018. About a thousand eighth graders from area schools like those in Hope, Fouke, Prescott and others converge in November to hear a keynote speaker, then, in breakout sessions, meet representatives from local industries, businesses and agencies like Tyson, Pafford, Holcim, Farm Bureau and local police and fire departments.

Anna Powell, Hope-Hempstead County Economic Development Director said the program, organized by the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance, “is meant to promote the career exploration of students beginning in the 8th grade and ignite their interest in trade and industries.”

She also stressed its importance in helping the area retain more of its young people as they start their careers.  Explore Success attendees, she said, “have an opportunity to really see what's available to them right here in their home community, so that they might continue to work, live here, reinvest in their community and be a great citizen.”

The program’s win of Honorable Mention was announced at the Little Rock Convention center during the Arkansas Municipal League’s 2025 Winter Convention.  Several Hope and Southwest Arkansas area supporters and participants in the Explore Success Career Expo were present to accept the certificate.