The Leadership Mountain Home Class of 2026 unveiled its Community Impact Project, The Hatchery, at the annual State of Education Breakfast hosted by the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, September 18. The event took place at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home and brought together educators, business leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss opportunities in education and workforce preparation.
The Hatchery is a student pitch competition aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 14 and 21 in Baxter and Marion counties. Participants will compete for a share of $5,000 in startup funding, which will be divided among four finalists. Applications for the competition are open until Friday, October 23. A live preliminary round is scheduled for November 5, with the finals set for November 14.
The breakfast marked the beginning of Education Day for the leadership class, which was dedicated to exploring how local schools and colleges prepare students for future careers. Breakfast attendees heard updates from Mountain Home Christian Academy Administrator Doyne Byrd, Mountain Home Public Schools Superintendent Allyson Dewey, and ASUMH Chancellor Bentley Wallace. Scott Hamby of NEXT Powered by NAEC, the event sponsor, delivered opening remarks. The Chamber noted that educators, business leaders, and community partners made up the bulk of the crowd.
After the breakfast, class members toured the ASUMH campus and Technical Center, where they were introduced to various programs and training opportunities available for students pursuing college degrees, technical careers, or direct entry into the workforce. Later, they visited Mountain Home Public Schools to observe hands-on learning facilities such as the agriculture and manufacturing classroom, the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom, and Runway Coffee Shop, a student-run business. According to the Chamber, these visits highlighted how students are developing practical skills and exploring career paths while still in high school.
The group was also introduced to the school district’s “Cleared for Takeoff” podcast, which shares stories about students, staff, and programs.
The topic of entrepreneurship has been a recurring theme for this year's Leadership Mountain Home Class. In July, members toured the Ozarks Small Business Incubator in West Plains, Missouri, and participated in a panel discussion with local business owners.
Leadership Mountain Home is a year-long program organized by the Chamber, designed to immerse participants in the industries and institutions shaping the region. Each class concludes with a community-focused project, such as The Hatchery.
The event was catered by Letty’s Mexican Restaurant, with coffee provided by 870 Coffee Co. and water sponsored by AVA Water.
More information about The Hatchery, including applications and competition details, is available at enjoymountainhome.com/workforce-development.