Future School students gain college access with ‘Dream Alliance’

Dream Alliance, a Fort Smith-based philanthropic group, invested $150,000 in the Future School’s College for All program, the school announced Wednesday (Feb. 13).

“We at Dream Alliance are thrilled to partner with Future School in providing their students with opportunities for college-level education. As a part of our mission to support projects that foster an improved quality of life, we believe that our community is stronger and our future is brighter thanks to this hard work of the Future School team,” said Dwight Curry, Dream Alliance founder.

The Future School’s College for All program allows all students the opportunity to take college classes while attending high school. The school sets aside funds so each student may attend at least one college class a year at no cost to them. The money from the Dream Alliance will go to the costs associated with that, said Boyd Logan, superintendent.

Students have the opportunity to attend college classes through the Western Arkansas Technical Center at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and through concurrent classes taught on the Future School campus and through on-line concurrent courses, both of which are accredited through UAFS, Logan said.

This year, two seniors will graduate with an associate degree along with their high school diploma, he said.

“At Future School, each student has a personalized learning plan that outlines their goals for university study, technical certification, and employment,” a media release on the donation said.

The College for All program allows all students the chance to experience college before deciding on an after high school path, Logan said, noting that college is not the only path for students and not all students will choose to go.

“While college isn’t the only path to success, we want our students to know they can excel there. This generous investment falls in line with our vision of cultivating the limitless potential of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Future School of Fort Smith is a public charter high school centered on a personalized approach to learning via student-designed internships, personalized learning plans and an advising team for each student. There are 220 students enrolled in grades 10 through 12.

Dream Alliance is a Fort Smith-based philanthropic group working to support innovation in community-centered services for local residents.