Community Development is one of the five key focus areas (The Mission-5) for your Chamber’s mission-work. Programs impact and enhance the quality of life that we enjoy in Rogers, Lowell, and the region. Our work focuses on supporting and recognizing excellence in education and activating leadership development. Working with small businesses, our work also influences and champions commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to better welcome the growing number of residents, workforce, and visitors from all backgrounds.

Recognizing Students and Educators for Excellence

Local businesses have seen value in the Chamber’s Academic Awards for 46 years. Many are long-term supporters of the program because they believe that recognition of student achievement is encouragement to do your best. This contributes to not only building a better life but also building a better community.

Jim Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education at Rogers Public Schools, said about the program: “The Chamber’s Academic Awards recognition is very important to our students and families. It is an opportunity for us as a community to recognize the students for their dedication in the classroom.”

The Chamber has been honoring Rogers Public Schools Educators for their excellence in education for over 37 years. Educators play a tremendous role in developing a talent pipeline for our local workforce and preparing future leaders for our region. These awards of recognition show educators our commitment to them and appreciation for all they do for our community.

Academic Awards | Honoring Outstanding Students

The Chamber honors outstanding Rogers high school students during its annual Academic Awards ceremonies. The program improves the level of preparation for high school graduates entering college or the workforce.

A total of 448 students from Rogers Heritage High School, 571 students from Rogers High School and 165 students from Rogers New Technology High School were honored with the prestigious Academic Award for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher for one, two, or three years.

The Chamber is helping to increase the number of students achieving this recognition every year. This year, the Chamber presented 1,184 students with these awards, the most that have ever been presented.

Educators of the Year | Honoring Excellence in Education

The Chamber honors Rogers Public Schools Educators for their excellence in education. Educators are nominated from each school and three standout educators selected as the Rogers School District Educators of the Year, Presented by Raising Cane’s.

The three teachers selected for 2021-2022 Educators of the Year are:

-Nakia Brener | Rogers Heritage High School

-Harriet Pittman | Oakdale Middle School

-Kristin Page | Westside Elementary School

Your Chamber works hard to let students know that there is a community out there supporting them - a community that will really need them as it continues to grow well into the future.

Dr. Lance Arbuckle, Principal at Rogers New Tech High School, said: “Our students work so hard to be successful and prepare for the next phase of their lives (after high school) and this recognition of their work helps to keep something tangible in front of them. We exist to help students become adults and it is through partnerships like the one we have with the Chamber that we achieve our goal of facilitating student growth in so many ways.”

“The Chamber is fortunate to have great partnerships with the Rogers School District and businesses within our community that are helping us support our students.” ~ Ross Phillips, SVP of Community Development

Activating Student Leaders              

The Chamber’s high school leadership program invests in the future of our community by providing student-focused, innovative strategies to promote leadership growth and opportunities.   

     

Arvest First Leadership

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in Rogers are eligible to apply for this program and should meet the following requirements: a minimum 2.5 GPA; display of leadership potential yet not overly involved in extra-curricular activities; maintenance of a passing grade in all courses during participation in the program; and the ability to attend all Arvest First Leadership sessions.

Other desired qualities include a need or desire to be involved, a sense of community interest, the ability to work well with peers, and a desire to serve as a positive influence on peers.

The free program runs from September - April, holding one meeting per month.

The Chamber is proud of the 2022 Arvest First Leadership program graduates. Over the past nine months, 25 students from Rogers Heritage High School and Rogers New Technology High School learned about leadership through higher education, social media, government, entrepreneurship, finances, and community service. The program introduced students to leadership skills, built their self-esteem, explored career paths, and developed their interpersonal skills.