ENGAGE in Schools
A civic leadership program from the Arkansas Civic Action Network
Arkansas students are leading change in their communities.
ENGAGE is the Arkansas Civic Action Network’s flagship civic leadership program, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take action in their communities. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and service projects, students connect classrooms to real-world civic engagement — from local schools to city halls, quorum courts, and the State Capitol.
Why ENGAGE in Schools matters
Across Arkansas, students want to make a difference — but too often they lack clear pathways to participate in civic life. ENGAGE changes that.
The program helps students move from concern to action by connecting learning, leadership, and service. Through school-based clubs and programs, students build civic knowledge, collaborate with peers, and create projects that benefit their communities.
ENGAGE also supports schools by providing meaningful service opportunities that can count toward Service Learning credits for graduation, helping students build leadership experience while meeting educational goals.
ENGAGE in action
Waldron High: building civic leadership in a small community
At Waldron High School, ENGAGE has become a platform for students to step forward as leaders in their school and community. Students are learning how civic participation works, organizing projects, and connecting their work to real issues affecting their region.
Through collaboration with peers, educators, and community partners, Waldron students are demonstrating that leadership and civic engagement can start right in the classroom — and ripple outward across the community.
Little Rock Central: student voice in action
At Little Rock Central High School, ENGAGE builds on the school’s strong legacy of civic engagement and student leadership.
Students are learning how government works, exploring community issues, and discovering how their voices can influence policy and public conversation. ENGAGE connects students with real-world civic experiences — helping them see how leadership extends beyond the classroom into their communities.
The program demonstrates how schools can nurture the next generation of civic leaders by giving students meaningful opportunities to participate and lead.
