Oak Park Elementary will be the third school in the Pine Bluff School District to integrate the internationally recognized “Leader in Me” program in the fall. This was made possible by collaboration between the Clinton School’s Center on Community Philanthropy, the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF) and the Trinity Foundation.
With the assistance of the Center on Community Philanthropy, PBACF was able to identify educational improvement as a focal point for its local grant-making efforts. Once the foundation set aside a $15,000 in fund for this “unique philanthropic idea,” the Trinity Foundation matched $13,000 toward the cause.
The “Leader in Me” program focuses on developing students’ skills and self-confidence to help create successful leaders in the 21st century. Based on Stephen Covey’s book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” it offers an opportunity to transform schools.
“This type of community philanthropy is of the utmost importance because it emphasizes people working together to serve their community’s most precious resource – the children,” said Dr. Charlotte Williams, assistant professor and director of the Center on Community Philanthropy.
Other Pine Bluff schools participating in the program have reported a decrease in discipline referrals, increase in academic achievement, as well as a stronger involvement of staff, students and parents.
In the fall, Oak Park Elementary students can look forward to developing leadership traits that can be carried on to middle and high school, college and their chosen career fields.
Responses