Arkansas Scholars Program Starts New Year
by October 1, 2014 7:08 pm 106 views
A program that helps high school students understand the importance of going to college began its 15th year Wednesday, with nearly 2,200 students taking part in the program.
The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Workforce Training Committee discussed the Arkansas Scholars program during their meeting at the chamber office on Caraway Road.
Alan Decker, who helps with the program, said 1,000 tenth graders and 1,200 eighth graders in Craighead County will learn several things this year.
“It is imperative and the earlier the better,” Decker, who is a deputy director of the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development, said of going to college. “We talk with the students and help them understand the seriousness of it (going to college).”
Decker said the students learn about staying in school, building good work habits including having a strong work ethic and graduating high school on time.
It also helps the students to learn about the future, Decker said.
“It helps them to set goals and every employer want someone with those skills,” Decker said. “It also makes the student aware that further education is imperative.”
PROGRAM
Committee members will be going to each of the schools in Craighead County – Bay, Brookland, Buffalo Island Central, Jonesboro, Nettleton, Ridgefield Christian, Riverside, Valley View and Westside – over the next six weeks to talk to the students.
The group also stresses math, English and foreign language during the visits, Decker said.
Decker said the program is for students in grades 9-12.
The students can get a seal on their high school transcript if they:
· Complete state mandated high school graduation requirements.
· Earn a “C” or above in all classes.
· Have a 95% or better attendance rate.
· Graduate high school in eight consecutive semesters.
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP
The committee also talked Wednesday about the chamber’s junior leadership program.
This year, 25 high school juniors will be participating in the program, which teaches the students about economic development, government, healthcare and the media among other issues.
Shelle Randall, who works with the program, said the students have been eager to learn.
“We have a good leadership group. When we have the meetings, the students usually get here before anyone else,” Randall said.
Craighead County Judge Ed Hill, Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer will speak to the group on Oct. 8.