Background: One of the focus areas of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Development division is to develop future leaders in Northwest Arkansas.

• To accomplish this, Chamber staff successfully implemented the Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development (LEAD) program in 2020 serving all high schools in the Rogers Public School District, targeting underserved and under-represented students.

Why it matters: Since its inception in 2020, the program has grown to serve 154 students currently enrolled in the program.

• Participating students are demonstrating not only interest in pursuing higher education and
  a clear pathway to career opportunities but are also getting more engaged and learning more about their community and the opportunities available to them.
• The Chamber uses this program as a long-term workforce development and retention tool.

How it works:   

• Mentorship through community leaders
• Mentorship through peers
• Leadership development through service projects
• College guidance through visits and presentations
• Empowerment through experiential learning
• Scholarship of $1,000 to qualifying students

What’s next: As the number of students enrolled in the program grows year after year, the financial support needs for the program also grow and the need for additional resources is greater. We encourage members of our business community to help support this program because our community’s generosity is invaluable when it comes to helping achieve our goals and objectives.

How to get involved:  Learn more about LEAD Rogers or to get involved, contact Geovanny Sarmiento at [email protected].