Chamber’s Mission-Work Activating Leaders through High School L.E.A.D. Program

It’s our mission-work: L.E.A.D. Rogers, a Community Development program of the Rogers Lowell Chamber, is a transformative leadership development initiative providing strategic support to underserved students in the Rogers Public High Schools. Program applications are open to the whole student body.

• L.E.A.D.: Leadership, Education, Advancement & Development

What happened: Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, the program offered students diverse opportunities to build a strong foundation of skills to help them achieve their life goals.

• Supported by local businesses and leaders, the Chamber provided guidance on various topics, while partnerships with higher educational institutions addressed specific concerns.

• Experiential learning entities helped students develop leadership skills, boosting their self-confidence and sense of worth.

Why it’s important: During the school year, monthly sessions cover topics such as leadership development, emotional intelligence, community service, financial literacy, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.

• Bottom line: Students learn valuable insights and life skills that extended beyond the classroom.

How it works: Collaboration with the Student Success Coordinators ensures effective communication with schools and students, creating a seamless flow of information and resources. The program welcomes applications from the entire student body, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for all.

And there’s more: The program is enriched to provide experiences that broaden students’ horizons and equip them with practical knowledge for personal and professional growth. For example:

• Events and resources, such as guest speakers from diverse backgrounds (who had attended all three high schools).

• The Arvest Bank financial literacy workshop.

• The Leadership Retreat hosted by the Rogers Lowell Chamber, with the support of the Rogers Activity Center and Milestone Leadership.

Final assessment: L.E.A.D. Rogers served as a crucial steppingstone for underserved students, fostering leadership skills and providing essential support.

• Why it matters: By shaping the next generation of leaders, the program empowered students to succeed academically and thrive in their future endeavors and provided four scholarships to students actively participating in the program to pursue post-secondary education.

How you can get involved: The L.E.A.D Rogers program keeps growing each year and welcomes community members to get involved in any way within their abilities.

Contact Geovanny Sarmiento and let’s start the conversation.

Special thanks to our volunteers and supporters:

Jorge Andrade Hight Jackson Associates

Stuart Gower-Jackson and Kenny Williams | Pedal it Forward

Ashley Matsumura | Best Friends Animal Society

Rafael Castro | Gaby’s Bakery

Karinna Rodriguez Banco Sí

Sarah Foster and her amazing team Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Daisy Bonilla | Growing in Healing

Gilbert Rodriguez and his dedicated team | Arvest Bank

Bene Young J.B. Hunt

Heather Fox and her great team Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas – Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

Samantha Vital | Herrera Law Group

Coleta Paris | Rogers Activity Center

Erik Aguilar | SalviMex Food Truck