NWACC partners with Cox, Springdale schools

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 0 views 

A program of NorthWest Arkansas Community College is collaborating with Cox Communications and Springdale Public Schools to encourage elementary students to pursue higher education, according to a news release.

The Learning, Improvement, Fun, and Empowerment (LIFE) program at NWACC supports area high school students who are considering attending college after graduation.

“Unfortunately, too many children don’t think that college is meant for them — sometimes because of language barriers, economic challenges or simply because their parents didn’t go to college,” said Juanita Franklin, NWACC’s director of Hispanic initiatives. “We believe that the earlier students learn about college, the more likely they will see themselves as college students too. The LIFE Program Mentors, all first-generation Latino college students, are great role models for younger generations, and they look forward to connecting with these kids.”

NWACC established the LIFE program in 2012.

“We’ve visited some elementary and middle schools very informally over the last 11 years by taking a mentor or two to visit a class,” Franklin said. “It hasn’t been necessarily a LIFE program presentation, but more of a role model and example. This most recent collaboration and support came from our community partner, Cox Communications.”

The company is sponsoring the partnership and recent festival at Harp Elementary in Springdale. It’s the first school the LIFE program will work with, the release shows.

“Cox Communications is all about connecting communities,” said Olin Ericksen, public affairs for Cox Communications. “As part of that work, Cox works to give and support generously right here in Arkansas through our philanthropic pillars, which include youth, education, technology, conservation, and issues of diversity, inclusion, and equality. The LIFE program supports many of these goals, and we are grateful for the chance to help the next generation of Latino and Latina leaders grow, thrive and succeed. That comes in the form of not only financial donations but also our time and volunteers each year.”