Arken led the F3 AgTEC Workforce initiative, surveying 12,000 farmworkers to design California’s first competency-based education (CBE) curriculum for agriculture. This effort culminated in the Ag Systems Certificate, a 12-unit, industry-aligned program now offered at six community colleges, with plans to expand statewide. As part of the broader F3 (Farms Food Future) Initiative, AgTEC equips workers with skills and technologies to drive economic growth and ag innovation across the Central Valley.

Alongside State Center Community College District (SCCCD) and California State Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, Arken is supporting solutions for the healthcare workforce shortage. The Nursing Education bill (AB 1400) would establish a state pilot program to allow up to 10 community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN). AB 1400 passed both the Assembly and the Senate with broad bipartisan support and is now on the Governor's desk. 

Arken led the development of the California Jobs First Playbook, aligning regional economic strategies with California’s broader economic goals outlined in the State Economic Blueprint. Developed with thousands of community members across California and tied to a cohesive statewide vision, the Playbook helps regions identify collaboration opportunities, attract outside investors, and assist potential funders in identifying opportunities to back regional projects.