NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NWACC: Empowering students through rapid growth, innovative learning, and a vibrant culinary scene.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) stands out as a beacon of educational innovation and rapid growth in Arkansas. Born from the community's vision on August 15, 1989, when local voters overwhelmingly supported its creation, NWACC quickly evolved from a groundbreaking "College without walls"—where classes were ingeniously held across various community locations—to a robust institution. This early adaptability laid the foundation for its current dynamic environment, overcoming initial funding challenges by bringing education directly to the people.
Today, NWACC is renowned for being one of the largest and fastest-growing two-year colleges in the state, serving thousands of students seeking pathways to higher education and career success. Its commitment to the community is evident not just in its comprehensive credit courses, but also in the extensive non-credit programs that empower an additional 7,000 individuals annually. Prospective students will find a college deeply embedded in its region, dedicated to accessible and relevant learning experiences.
A major highlight of NWACC's academic offerings is the Brightwater Culinary School. Launched in early 2017, Brightwater has gained significant acclaim for its unique "High South Cuisine" concept, championing local food culture and a farm-to-table approach. Housed in a stunning, award-winning facility in Bentonville's 8th Street Market, Brightwater offers an unparalleled hands-on experience, transforming dozens of students into culinary professionals. This innovative school exemplifies NWACC's forward-thinking approach to specialized education, preparing students for exciting careers while celebrating regional heritage.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded by local voters in the Bentonville and Rogers Public School Districts with a 65% margin on August 15, 1989.
- ✦One of Arkansas's largest and fastest-growing two-year colleges, serving over 8,300 college credit students (Fall 2018).
- ✦An additional 7,000 students are served by non-credit courses annually across its service area.
- ✦Pioneered the innovative "College without walls" model in its early years, conducting classes in various community buildings.
- ✦Home to the acclaimed Brightwater Culinary School, known for its "High South Cuisine" concept and farm-to-table approach.
- ✦Brightwater Culinary School's facility and the 8th Street Market won the American Institute of Architects Central Excellence in Design award for 2017.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Brightwater Culinary School
An acclaimed culinary program known for its 'High South Cuisine' concept, emphasizing local food culture and farm-to-table practices, housed in an award-winning facility in Bentonville.
Find Scholarships at NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search