In Arkansas, the state’s natural beauty is part of its charm. That’s why Keep Arkansas Beautiful partnered with a team of students from the Clinton School of Public Service to tackle a persistent problem: litter.
To understand why people litter, the team partnered with the Arkansas Department of Education to survey over 500 young Arkansans. Their research revealed a key insight. While most students identify littering as a problem, they often lack easy access to trash bins and don’t feel personally responsible for cleaning up litter.
Based on these findings, the team recommended a new, community-wide approach. This includes educational workshops, more school-based volunteer projects, and a stronger social media presence.
Thanks to this partnership – and in alignment with the LEARNS Act requirement for service-learning hours – Keep Arkansas Beautiful has launched new opportunities designed to engage high schoolers statewide in school-based, group public service projects. Together, these efforts help ensure the Natural State remains beautiful for generations to come.
The Clinton School Impact Minute is a recurring segment with Little Rock Public Radio, highlighting the Clinton School’s field service impact.
Since 2004, Clinton School students have completed nearly 700 field service projects with more than 300 organizations in Arkansas alone, creating immediate and long-term impact for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across the state.