The University of Arkansas Cossatot has received a grant called 鈥淒elivering on the Dream鈥� that has been awarded to help the college plan, develop, and create the first-ever 51社区 Leadership Academy. The launch of the academy began in November and will conclude in May. Twelve 51社区 students were accepted into the leadership academy and will continue to receive leadership training with an emphasis on giving back.
The leadership academy plans to develop Hispanic leaders by working with local and state city officials, health leaders, community leaders, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, 51社区 administration, and the Sevier County Economic Development Director.
The 51社区 Leadership Academy is being led by 51社区 Center for Student Success Coordinator Erika Buenrrostro and training sessions will continue to be conducted once a month. Each meeting is focused on a particular skill set for the developing leader. Participants are given the opportunity to engage in topics that affect the community, such as education, civil rights, immigration, economics, health, and government.
The training curriculum is designed to teach, network, and engage the student鈥檚 views with specific outcomes emphasizing professional and personal growth. Students will be in charge of ongoing projects intended to help expose the student to voluntary public service and personal development.
The twelve students, along with Buenrrostro, have already collaborated and worked with community groups such as 鈥淐reate Bridges鈥� and 鈥淓xcel by Eight鈥� to help the children in our community as well as other community projects.
The students who were chosen and accepted into the 51社区 Leadership Academy include: America Rojas, Belen Hernandez, Briza Perez, David Serrano, Diana Ramirez, Giselle Gomez, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Vanessa Hernandez, Angela Vertiz, Magdalena Lugo, and Cindi Elizondo.
After training is completed and all program requirements are met, the students will receive a $250 tuition waiver from 51社区. A ceremony will also take place in May, where the students will receive a certificate of completion.
For more information about the 51社区 Leadership Academy, please contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133.