Drive with purpose

UACCB’s Class B CDL training program prepares you to earn the license required to drive a school bus, commercial passenger vehicle, or a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn a Class B Commercial Driver License with a Passenger Endorsement.

This training is especially valuable for teachers, coaches, and school staff in rural districts who need the flexibility to transport students safely and legally on school buses. But the Class B CDL has wider value as well. It is commonly required for drivers of medium-duty commercial vehicles smaller than 18‑wheelers—such as box trucks used by delivery companies, construction firms, manufacturers, and municipal service providers.

Seats are limited, and enrollment is first-come, first-served, with priority given to those who already hold a Commercial Learner's Permit.

Act fast — seats are limited! 

Clicking the link to join our CDL Training waitlist is free, quick, and gets you started on the road to your career.

Why choose UACCB?

Focused training: Complete a 24-hour hybrid program that combines classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel practice.

• Convenient schedule: Evening classes meet twice a week for four weeks, with additional driving practice until skills are mastered.
• Affordable tuition: The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship can fully cover most of the cost of the program for eligible students.
• Personal support: Our team guides you step-by-step through permits, physicals, drug screening, and scholarship paperwork.

Orientation and enrollment support

The first step to enrolling in our CDL Class B course is meeting with our team at UACCB's Welcome Center or over the phone. During this one-on-one orientation meeting we'll answer questions and help you enroll.

Download the Drive with Purpose booklet – your guide to enrollment steps, financial aid, and training requirements.

About the class

• Length: 24 hours of instruction and practice
• Vehicle: UACCB provides the school bus for your training and testing
• Format: Hybrid course with classroom, online theory, range practice, and driving in real-world conditions on local roads

Upcoming evening classes

• Feb. 10 to Mar. 5, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Mar. 10 to Apr. 9, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• May 5 to May 28, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Jun. 16 to July 9, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Aug. 25 to Sept. 17, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.

Three-day summer school bus driver boot camp

• July 20 to July 22, 2026 | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | Mon., Tue. & Wed.

Three-day Construction Class B CDL

• July 28, 29, 30, 2026 | 8 AM - 5 PM | Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 

Take the first step today

• Your career as a school bus driver starts here!
• Call 870-612-2082
• Email workforce@uaccb.edu
• Download the Drive with Purpose booklet
• Visit the Welcome Center on UACCB’s campus

This hands-on workshop teaches you how to start plants from seed for spring gardening: vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more!

Michelle Mobley, Independence County's Extension Agent, will walk you through the essentials of seed starting and provide all the materials needed to plant your trays. Bring your own seeds if you have favorite varieties you'd like to start.

Scott Phillips will also show how to build a simple, low-cost light rack using everyday hardware-store parts—a setup that gives seedlings the bright, steady light they need to grow sturdy and transplant-ready.

Experienced gardeners and new enthusiasts alike are welcome to join us. Children are welcome, too, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All supplies included. No experience necessary.

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

Location: UACCB Workforce Training Center (map)

Cost: FREE -  All supplies included

Electrical Code Update covers the most significant changes to the 2026 National Electric Code (NEC). Instructor is Lucas Stewart from the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF). If purchased, bring to class your NEC 2026 code book for reference. The course fee is $100 and includes all course materials. For questions, or to register for the class, call Shannon Frieri at 501-372-1590.

Learn the basics of Excel including entering and formatting numbers and text; ranges; copying and moving data; basic formulas; data entry short-cuts like filling in a range, autosum, auto complete and autofill; relative and absolute cell references; searching Help; formatting and printing. 

Testimonial: "Rhonda Williams was a wonderful instructor. She was very knowledgeable and easy to follow. I would take more of her courses in the future." Bailey Morris

Testimonial: "Loved my instructor. She was very knowledgeable and also made class fun!" Magan Rogers

Cancellations: To cancel a class, five (5) business days' notice prior to the course starting date is required to withdraw and receive a refund.

Money stress is common—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

This free, one-hour class is designed for adults who want simple, practical tools to better manage their money, reduce financial stress, and feel more confident about everyday financial decisions. You don’t need a background in finance, and you don’t need to have everything figured out—just a willingness to start where you are.

We’ll talk honestly about personal responsibility and smart decision-making without judgment or jargon. Topics include building a realistic household budget, understanding where your money actually goes, breaking the cycle of credit card debt, saving for the future, and developing habits that support long-term financial stability. The focus is on common-sense strategies you can apply immediately.

This is not a sales pitch and not an advanced investing course. It’s a practical, down-to-earth conversation about money—how to use it intentionally, how to avoid common traps, and how small changes can lead to real progress over time.

Details:

• Free to attend
• Adults welcome
• 1-hour class

Come ready to learn, reflect, and leave with at least one clear next step you can take this week.

Meet Your Instructor:

Ms. Goodman joined the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) in Spring 2003 and currently serves as Recruitment Coordinator. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Services and an Associate of Arts in General Education with a Business focus from UACCB. Ms. Goodman continued her education at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, and later obtained a Master of Science degree from Arkansas State University.

In addition to her work in higher education, Ms. Goodman is an experienced entrepreneur, having owned and operated a successful cleaning business for several years.

Excel Level 2 covers large workbooks with multiple worksheets; 3D formulas; more advanced formulas for financial; logical and date questions; Excel as a datasheet (database table), including sorting and filtering, charts, comments and hyperlinks.

Testimonial: "The instructor was able to take what would otherwise be a tedious subject and make it interesting. The lecture was hands-on and full of practical application." Billy Stidham

Cancellations: To cancel a class, five (5) business days' notice prior to the course starting date is required to withdraw and receive a refund.

Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Course Description:

Unlock the secrets to a thriving vegetable garden with our comprehensive Raised Bed Gardening course. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a successful raised bed garden.

In this class, instructor Michelle Mobley will teach the basics to a successful raised bed vegetable garden. You will understand how and what vegetables will grow best in your raised bed. You will explore more about raised beds/container gardening. 

By the end of this class, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to create and maintain a thriving raised bed vegetable garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest season after season. Join us on this journey to cultivate not just plants but a sustainable and fulfilling gardening experience.

This is a free class. Bring your family and friends. 

Attend to Win:

One lucky participant will take home a free raised bed constructed from locally-grown and milled eastern red cedar! Eastern red cedar is an excellent choice for raised bed construction because it’s naturally rot-resistant, durable, pest-repellent, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, providing long-lasting performance without harmful chemicals. 

About the instructor:

Michelle Mobley is the Independence County Extension Agent-Staff Chair for the UA System Division of Agriculture.