The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope is pleased announce the creation of the Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy – UACCH. The purpose of the Academy is to provide enhanced academic opportunities for students to ensure that they are ready for postsecondary studies upon completion of high school. The Academy is based on the highly successful Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy at Henderson State and Ouachita Baptists Universities and is an Educational Renewal Zone (ERZ)-University of Arkansas Community College at Hope initiative, in collaboration with Hope Public Schools and the Southwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative.
The Academy will focus on the areas of reading, English, mathematics, and career planning. The program will pair public school teachers with college professors, resulting in a faculty-student ratio of 1:6. Instruction will be delivered in an interactive, individualized, dynamic learning environment on the UACCH campus. The program is being funded by the Department of Education’s College and Career Readiness Planning Program.
On December 12, representatives from Hope Public Schools, Henderson State University, the Southwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative, and UACCH met to begin planning Prep Academy activities for the spring semester. In January, qualifying Hope High School 9th graders will be invited to join the first Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy – UACCH cohort. Space in the Academy will be limited, and invitations will be based on a number of criteria.
“This is an innovative and truly collaborative project. We ask students to dream about their futures all the time. With the Academy, students will be able to chart a course to that future,” said Jennifer Methvin, Vice Chancellor for Academics at UACCH.
Hope Public Schools Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew added, “The Hope Public School system and Hope High School are thrill with this opportunity that is to be provided to our students in preparation for their college and career plans. We are elated to collaborate with UACCH and Henderson State University in yet another opportunity for our students.”
The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope and Hope Public Schools are committed to preparing students for excellence in higher education. UACCH is excited about the creation of the Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy – UACCH and the positive impact it will have on the futures of area high school students.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT STARTING ON THE FRONT: Kenneth Muldrew, Hope Public Schools Superintendent; Edessa Walton, UACCH Career Coach and Prep Academy Facilitator; Phoebe Bailey, Arkansas Education Cooperative Assistant Director; Bobby James, UACCH Vice-Chancellor for Student Services; Jennifer Methvin, UACCH Vice-Chancellor for Academics. Back Row: Chris Thomason, UACCH Chancellor; Paulette Blacknall, Southwest-A Education Renewal Zone Director; Sam Bray, High School Principal; and Ed Hunter, Southwest-A Education Renewal Zone Assistant Director.
