The Arkansas River Valley Area Council Incorporated (ARVAC) and Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus announce their partnership to work together to close the achievement gap for the children and families in our communities.
ARVAC Inc. is a nonprofit community action agency corporation established in 1965 to promote the economic and social development of the region. The organization serves a nine (9) county area in the Arkansas River Valley, including Ozark and Franklin county.
ATU-Ozark strives to provide quality education to every student who aspires to receive higher education. With ARVAC’s help through the Head Start/Early Head Start program, education is accessible for parents.
In addition to traditional classroom and specific skill training, ATU-Ozark will also offer soft skill training to eligible parents of Head Start and Early Head Start children.
Together, ARVAC and ATU-Ozark will work to mutually promote self-sufficiency, the elimination of poverty, and access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.
” ATU-Ozark strives to assist students with quality care for their children while they are in school. We recognize the good work of our ARVAC partners in service to parents with young children. This partnership allows ATU – Ozark students the opportunity to utilize quality childcare services and in turn continue with their studies.,” stated ATU-Ozark’s Chancellor, Bruce Sikes.
ARVAC in return will ensure Head Start is readily available near the Ozark Campus for convenience to ATU-Ozark students. ARVAC has additional centers in Morrilton, Perry, Russellville, Dardanelle, Danville, Paris, Mena, Waldron, Coal Hill, Clarksville, and Hector.
Chief Operations Officer EHS/HS at ARVAC Inc., Cyndi Musick, stated, “This partnership will help families in our community close the achievement gap and build a stronger foundation for their families. Together ATU/ARVAC have the Ambition to Excel in all we do to help our families to become self-sufficient.”
ATU will be working with parents to help them reach their goals of further education. Together ARVAC and ATU are working to bring an end to poverty in our communities.
To find out more information about how to get involved with Head Start, please call ATU-Ozark’s Student Services at 479-667-2117.
