Three Clinton School students are working this year with the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) to update a 1973 report on the status of women in Arkansas to promote outreach and educational programs for girls and women in the state.
Clinton School students Patricia Flanagan of St. Louis, Mo., Billie Jean Thomas of Little Rock, Ark., and Jillian Underwood of Topeka, Kan., are collaborating with the organization’s partners to analyze recent state and national data to create a database of issues affecting women throughout Arkansas.
The Governor’s Commission compiled the most recent data on the status of women in Arkansas for the 1973 report titled, “Changing Rapidly – Improving Slowly.” It highlighted gender-related issues and included recommendations on how to improve the conditions for women in Arkansas. This information must be updated in order for the foundation to expand funding for educational and advancement programs for women.
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas supports programs dedicated to creating educational and economic opportunities for women. The foundation promotes community collaboration through outreach events such as the “Power of the Purse” luncheon and the “Girls of Promise” conferences.
“We are working with a talented student team of women from the Clinton School of Public Service to draft a critical report that will provide baseline numbers to policy makers, community leaders and service providers,” said Lynnette Watts, executive director of the foundation.
The Clinton School students bring data analysis and nonprofit collaborative experience to the project. The students look forward to their involvement in increasing awareness and empowerment through access to information in the state of Arkansas.
“As an Arkansan woman, I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such a reputable organization to create a report that will positively impact women throughout Arkansas,” Thomas said.
This project is one of 10 to be completed by 38 Clinton School students across the state of Arkansas this year. The students are in their first academic year of classes in the school’s Master of Public Service degree program.