History

Throughout her life, President Carla Daniels witnessed the need for individuals, especially those who were veterans, homeless, returning home from confinement, adults who were not in school or employed, to receive educational and career training. Her various career positions as an adjunct collegiate instructor, teacher in the K-12 school system, and administrator in the criminal justice system drove her passion to assist humanity.

In September 2017, President Daniels opened the AECC Career School (AECC) in downtown Little Rock. In 2018 her son, Mr. Roderick Daniels, joined the AECC, and they both continued to assist individuals with GED course instruction and employment training. Contracts were secured with the Arkansas Community Corrections Program, the City of Little Rock, and Saracen Resort and Casino to provide these services.

In 2020, President Daniels received additional support from Mr. Larry Stricklen, who had decades of experience in state support agencies and who worked as a Human Resources Administrator in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2021, Dr. Lois Sheer joined the AECC, with expertise in higher education as an administrator, professor, and curriculum specialist. Later in the year, additional adjunct faculty also assisted in providing course instruction for both day, night, and online classes.

With the new administration and faculty, the AECC grew exponentially in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, the AECC came into partnership with Vincennes University MEP to offer two degrees: Associate of Science degree in General Studies and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Technology/ Management. Also under this partnership in 2021, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program began, which provided participants the training “to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background will be able to perform various clinical tasks, including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiograms, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and phlebotomy, venipunctures and capillary sampling. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.” After the satisfactorily completing the class, participants take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification examination.

In March of 2021, the AECC received approval for the AECC Career School and became licensed by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. As course offerings were refined and expanded, the AECC Career School offers four training skills programs: Microsoft 365, the Certified Pharmacy Technician Program, the Pre-Employment Program, and the Customer Service Skills Program.

Along with providing individuals with training, the AECC and the AECC Career School are also focused on assisting individuals in receiving the services they need and obtaining employment. To this end, President Daniels has secured several Memorandums of Understanding with various businesses and organizations, which serve as conduits to employment and/or additional training for the students after they complete their courses in the AECC Career School.

The AECC Career School is committed to empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities for not only a career but for life in the twenty-first century.