LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 11, 2024) – The EAST Initiative today announced the 11 schools statewide that will receive startup funding through a grant from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education/Arkansas Department of Education (DESE) for new EAST programs in the 2024-2025 school year.
Funding will cover technology needed to install a full EAST classroom environment, and professional development that is required in the EAST curriculum. EAST Vice President of IT Jerry Prince noted that the technical specifications for the EAST classroom setup tries to predict whatever technology-related resources a student might need to start resolving the problems they have identified in their communities from day one.
“We focus on tools that are not typical for the student experience, giving them an opportunity to work with standard tools that are used in the various industries outside the school environment,” Prince said. “This hands-on approach allows students to explore their interests while becoming change agents for their communities.”
Schools receiving funding include:
• Brookland Middle School
• Carlisle High School
• Fox Meadow School of Creative Media (Jonesboro, Ark.)
• Friendship Aspire Academies – Southeast Pine Bluff
• Friendship Aspire Academies – Little Rock Middle School
• Mayflower High School
• Poyen High School
• Sloan-Hendrix High School (Imboden, Ark.)
• Southwest Middle School (Searcy, Ark.)
• University Heights School of Medical Arts (Jonesboro, Ark.)
• William Jefferson Clinton Primary School (Hope, Ark.)
Tami Baker, EAST Director of New Program Growth, said the Community Service Learning opportunities EAST provides students is one of the many transferable skills and concepts learned through the EAST classroom that will carry the student well beyond the high school years. “EAST lets students break out of the traditional academic mold,” Baker said. “It brings concepts to life that aren’t commonly expected of kids. It’s real-world experiences, and our new programs are eager to see it implemented in their communities.”
EAST students are engaged and excited about learning. In a survey of more than 3,400 students across 42 schools, data showed that the EAST experience is 22% more engaging than other core courses. The survey was conducted through a tool called the Wellington Engagement Index (WEI). Created by educators, WEI was designed to measure student engagement, and to give administrators and teachers opportunities for reflection as they challenge students to solve real problems in their communities.
During the 22-23 school year, EAST programs:
• Collaborated with 1,285 community partners for more than 17,990 volunteer hours;
• Realized an estimated economic impact statewide of more than $461,620 dollars through those volunteer hours;
• And provided technical training to more than 7,610 students through 110 unique opportunities both online and in-person.