2020: A Lesson in Flexibility
When Arkansas schools were closed on March 16 due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, Economics Arkansas saw an immediate need and opportunity to support PreK-12 teachers. Our primary goal throughout this pandemic has been to provide accessible training and resources to teachers to assist with their transition to virtual education.
Economics Arkansas staff quickly condensed and moved upcoming workshops online and worked with our community partners and Centers for Economic Education to offer additional opportunities. As a result, we've seen an increase in new program participants who may not have otherwise been able to attend our trainings had they been held in-person. Upgrades in online technology and the shipping of classroom resources to teachers' homes are two small, but meaningful changes made to continue our work.
We are grateful to adaptable supporters who understand the need sometimes "to change direction to stay on course." The Arkansas Humanities Council has provided essential guidance while transitioning our Economics: A Walk in the Park summer workshop series with several Arkansas State Parks into virtual offerings.
After our inaugural Arkansas Personal Finance Challenge for high school students was canceled this spring, Presenting Sponsor First Security Bank quickly agreed to shift their support to our first-ever virtual REAL Econ for All Conference, which wrapped up last week.
The Bank of America Foundation and Blue & You Foundation have both shown their understanding by either altering their funding's allocation or adjusting their grant program timeline.
The adjustments Economics Arkansas has made would not have been possible without the flexibility of our supporters. Thank you. We have and will continue to monitor teachers' needs, adjust to the changing education environment, and deliver high-quality professional development to Arkansas's educators.