Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, City Year Announce Partnership
Jacksonville Education Foundation Presents $10,000 Gift to Support Nonprofit’s Efforts
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (Aug. 7, 2023) - The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD) is partnering with City Year as part of its vision to empower students to become successful, contributing members of society. This month, the nonprofit’s AmeriCorps members will begin serving as “student success coaches” at Jacksonville Elementary to prepare scholars with academic, emotional and social skills to thrive in school and life.
"We are excited to enter into a partnership with City Year,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Owoh. “The organization's presence at Jacksonville Elementary will deliver benefits for students, teachers and the school community. AmeriCorps members will provide an additional layer of support for our teachers and make a lasting impact on the lives of our scholars.”
During the celebration event, the Jacksonville Education Foundation presented City Year with a $10,000 gift. A public-private partnership, the nonprofit is funded by a federal AmeriCorps grant and its partner school districts, as well as contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
“Today marks a momentous shift in our nearly 20-year history as we expand our impact further into Pulaski County,” said Jennifer Cobb, the nonprofit’s senior vice president and executive director. “As the generous gift from the Jacksonville Education Foundation reaffirms, this school district and community share our commitment to advancing educational equity and helping all students achieve their full potential.”
City Year’s AmeriCorps members, recognized by their signature red jackets, provide one-on-one academic interventions, small group tutoring sessions, mentorship and social-emotional learning opportunities to help students most in need. Studies consistently show that the additional support City Year offers makes a significant difference in students’ academic success, including improving their proficiency rates in math and English assessments.
City Year has served Central Arkansas since 2004. Along with Jacksonville Elementary, its AmeriCorps members are full-time tutors and mentors in five Little Rock School District schools—Chicot Elementary, Cloverdale Middle, J.A. Fair K – 8 Preparatory School, Mabelvale Middle and Stephens Elementary.
About City Year: City Year helps students and schools succeed. Teams of City Year AmeriCorps Members provide support to students, classrooms, and the whole school, helping to ensure that all children receive a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and mindsets to thrive and contribute to their community. Studies show that schools partnering with City Year were up to two to three times more likely to improve on math and English assessments.
A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service, local school districts and private philanthropy. City Year partners with public schools in 29 communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Learn more at www.cityyear.org.