Our Programs
PUBLIC SCHOOL BY CHOICE
Public schools in Arkansas are there to educate every student in the state, are governed by locally elected school boards, hire highly qualified teachers, and are held to the highest standards. We oppose using public dollars to fund private education and schools run by corporations. Put students, not profit, first. Please join our campaign by signing the online petition on our homepage in support of Arkansas’ rural schools, be prepared to contact legislators, sign a pledge card, join a public schools advocacy team in your region, and participate in the Step Up for Public Schools Walk in February 2019 at the State Capitol. We’re continuing to join with education partners in the state during the 2021 legislative session.
FAIR EDUCATION POLICIES FOR RURAL SCHOOLS
In March 2015 a bill for a waiver from Act 60, Arkansas’ school consolidation law was passed. There is still more work to do on this onerous Issue of shuttering schools and bussing students miles and miles from home. RCA is committed to continue the fight. Over the past decade RCA has championed many other issues to benefit rural schools including distance learning, increased broadband capabilities, funding for Pre-K education, after school programs, and English language learners, preserving isolated funding, and correcting the Federal Title I formula that is skewed to benefit larger schools to the detriment of nearly all public schools in Arkansas.
RURAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The result has been shuttered buildings on main streets and declining vitality. RCA chapters first look at community development issues. Community cleanup and beautification projects by volunteers and municipalities have helped developed the social capacity to tackle larger issues. RCA has facilitated revitalization projects in over 20 communities and launched two revitalization networks, Ozark Byways and Delta Highways, to help communities collaborate with one another.
With RCA’s guidance towns that had not had grants in years began to go after resources to improve their towns. Businesses on main street caught the vision and made their buildings attractive. RCA promotes entrepreneurship as the best means to revitalize rural towns. Recently RCA became involved in the Farm to School program which provides equipment for farmers using new techniques to expand the growing season on both ends and provide fresh foods to school cafeterias. An unreasonably high % of the food served in Arkansas’ school cafeterias comes from outside the state. By improving this situation, students benefit from better taste and nutrition while local farmers also gain a needed customer and increased prosperity.
RCA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
RCA is committed to implementing an intergenerational model of organizing, believing that youth have an important voice and role to play in strengthening our schools and communities.
PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM (PMP)
RURAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
At Rural Community Alliance (RCA), our mission is to empower rural Arkansas by creating opportunities in education, economic development, and community engagement. We are committed to strengthening rural communities and ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. Below are the key programs we offer:
Workforce Development
Delta Workforce Development Initiative
RCA connects youth in the Delta region to career readiness programs, internships, and job training opportunities. Our goal is to build a pipeline of skilled workers by equipping students with the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in their careers. We collaborate with schools, municipalities, and local institutions to ensure that students are ready for the workforce.Digital Opportunity for Rural Students
RCA works to bridge the digital divide by providing rural students with the technology they need for academic success. Through this initiative, we provide laptops, hotspots, and internet access to ensure that every student has the resources to engage in online learning and excel in their education.Youth Scholarships
Each year, RCA awards scholarships to outstanding rural youth who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their education and career goals. These scholarships are designed to support students as they pursue higher education and career training.Community Schools Support
RCA partners with school districts like Dermott and Marvell-Elaine to implement community school strategies. This initiative focuses on improving educational outcomes by providing youth with afterschool and summer programs, empowering them with the tools they need to succeed academically and in life.
Rural Health
Rural Health Outreach
RCA is committed to improving health outcomes in rural communities by conducting health outreach initiatives. These programs provide access to wellness education, health screenings, and other resources to support community well-being. In collaboration with health organizations, RCA works to address the unique health challenges faced by rural residents.Youth Community Health Worker Program
This program empowers rural youth by providing them with training to become certified community health workers. Participants learn how to address local health disparities and improve health outcomes in their communities, all while gaining valuable leadership experience.
Civic Engagement
Voter Engagement & Education
RCA plays a key role in increasing civic participation in rural communities. Our efforts include organizing voter registration drives, assisting individuals with verifying their voter status, and providing educational materials about important legislative issues and ballot initiatives. We work to get rural folks to the polls, ensuring that their voices are heard in the democratic process.Ballot Issue Awareness
In partnership with The Cooperative Extension, RCA produced a podcast episode to inform rural communities about the key ballot issues in the 2024 election. This initiative ensures that rural residents are well-informed and able to make educated decisions about their local and state elections.Rural Leaders Network
RCA supports the development of rural leaders through strategic planning and capacity-building activities. We provide training and resources to help local community members take on leadership roles in civic and educational spaces, strengthening the leadership network across rural Arkansas.Rural Legislative Advocacy
RCA is committed to advocating for policies that reflect the needs and priorities of rural communities. We track legislation, share relevant information with the public, and work closely with lawmakers to influence policies that improve education, healthcare, and economic development in rural Arkansas.
Get Involved!
Your support can make a significant impact in rural communities. Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, RCA offers multiple ways for you to get involved and help improve the lives of rural residents across Arkansas. Join us in our mission to create lasting change.
