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For more than 50 years, National Park College has served Hot Springs and the surrounding region with a clear purpose: to make quality education accessible, affordable and meaningful for the students who call this community home.As the needs of today%u2019s learners continue to evolve, NPC has remained focused on meeting them with intention %u2014 expanding programs, investing in facilities and creating flexible pathways that support real lives and real goals.Today%u2019s students are making thoughtful, practical decisions about college. Cost matters, location matters, so does the confidence that their education will lead somewhere. NPC%u2019s approach is built around those realities, without losing sight of what matters most: strong academics, personal support and longterm opportunity.A COLLEGE CLOSE TO HOME %u2014 WITH ROOM TO GROWFor many students in Hot Springs and surrounding communities, staying close to home is both a practical and personal decision. NPC offers a welcoming campus where students can pursue their goals without leaving behind the people and responsibilities that matter most.Located in the heart of Hot Springs National Park, the campus combines modern learning spaces with a strong sense of community. Students have access to hands-on labs, updated classrooms, and shared spaces designed for connection. Whether commuting or living on campus, students are encouraged to engage, ask questions and feel supported.The recent expansion of on-campus housing has strengthened that sense of belonging even further, creating more opportunities for students to experience college life in a supportive, close-knit environment.INVESTING IN QUALITY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE READINESSNPC continues to make intentional investments in programs and facilities that prepare students for today%u2019s workforce and tomorrow%u2019s opportunities. Across campus, expanded labs, updated classrooms and new instructional technology ensure students are learning in environments that reflect real-world expectations.One of the most significant recent investments is the construction of a new welding facility, expanding capacity for hands-on training in a high-demand skilled trade. Designed in collaboration with industry partners, the facility allows students to train on modern equipment while developing skills employers are actively seeking. This expansion reflects NPC%u2019s broader commitment to workforce education that is responsive, relevant and aligned with regional economic needs.Programs in health sciences, welding, information technology and other workforce-focused fields emphasize applied learning and strong employer connections. These partnerships help ensure curriculum stays current and students graduate prepared to step confidently into the workplace.At the same time, NPC continues to support students pursuing bachelor%u2019s degrees through its partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, which brings programs in nursing, education, computer science and business directly to the Hot Springs campus. Together, these academic and workforce pathways reflect NPC%u2019s commitment to quality education that leads to meaningful outcomes.AN AFFORDABLE PATH WITH SUPPORTAffordability remains central to NPC%u2019s mission. With tuition costing about half the average rate of a four-year university, students are able to begin their education without taking on unnecessary debt.Financial aid advisors work closely with students to navigate scholarships, grants and aid programs, including the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship and institutional awards. The focus is not just on enrollment, but on helping students graduate with less debt and more freedom to choose what comes next, whether that means transferring, continuing education, or entering the workforce.Support extends beyond financial aid. Advisors, faculty and staff are actively invested in student success, offering guidance and encouragement that help students stay on track academically and personally.FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR REAL LIFENPC understands that students balance more than coursework. Many work fulltime or part-time, care for family members, or are returning to school after time away. To support those realities, NPC offers flexible scheduling options, including fiveand 10-week courses, evening classes and online formats.These options allow students to move forward at a pace that works for them without sacrificing academic quality. Personalized advising helps students create realistic academic plans while keeping long-term goals in focus.KEEPING FUTURES OPENWhether students plan to transfer, advance their careers, or enter the workforce directly, NPC is designed to keep options open. Transfer pathways align with universities across Arkansas and beyond, while technical and workforce programs connect directly to regional employment needs.Campus life plays an important role in that experience. Athletics, student organizations and campus events give students opportunities to connect, lead and grow, helping them build confidence and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.A COMMITMENT TO CARE AND COMMUNITYAt its core, National Park College is about people. Every program expansion, facility improvement and scheduling option reflects a belief that students deserve access to a high-quality education that fits their lives and supports their goals.For students deciding what comes next, NPC offers a practical starting point %u2014 one that combines affordability, flexibility and opportunity with a community that truly cares about student success.Learn more at np.edu.Source: Advertiser submitted2C The Sentinel-Record, Sunday, February 15, 2026 Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 472470-1Sponsored ByGarland County Extension Homemakers CouncilOne of Arkansas%u2019 oldest and largest crafts fairs! Voted one of the Best Festivals in The Sentinel-Record%u2019s Readers Choice Awards for 5 years straight!!Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.FREE ADMISSION & PARKINGHotSpringsArtsAndCraftsFair.com472470-1Join us for theOctober 2nd %u2022 3rd %u2022 4th 2026 There%u2019s something for everyone - the Extension Homemakers home-cooked food, a variety of food trucks, children%u2019s activities and 200 vendors!GARLAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS4831 MALVERN ROAD %u2022 HOT SPRINGS, ARat theJoin us for theFor more info contact 501-520-1333 orNational Park CollegeBuilt for where students are %u2014 and where they%u2019re goingThe recent expansion of on-campus housing at National Park College has strengthened the sense of belonging, creating more opportunities for students to experience college life in a supportive, close-knit environment. (Submitted photo)NPC continues to make intentional investments in programs and facilities that prepare students for today%u2019s workforce and tomorrow%u2019s opportunities. (Submitted photo)National Park College has remained focused for more than 50 years on meeting students with intention by expanding programs, investing in facilities, and creating flexible pathways that support real lives and real goals. (Submitted photo)