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State Rep. Copenhaver Presents Funding for Summer Camp Academy

05/01/2014

JONESBORO – With the benefit of special scholarship funding arranged by State Rep. Harold Copenhaver of Jonesboro, approximately 130 children in the Jonesboro area will be able to participate in Summer Camp Academy this year at Arkansas State University.

Scholarships are designated for at-risk children, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, including those with developmental special needs.  Local school administrators are assisting with identifying interested children.

Copenhaver presented a “check” today to Dr. Charles L. Welch, ASU System president, and Dr. Beverly Gilbert, dean of Continuing Education and Community Outreach (CECO), during an afternoon reception and announcement ceremony.  CECO conducts the Summer Camp Academy. 

“Many youngsters who would benefit greatly by participation in the Summer Camp Academy program are not able to afford the cost,” according to Copenhaver, who arranged funding for the scholarship grant program through the state General Improvement Fund. 

“We could not be more excited about this opportunity to provide 130 scholarships for children in our area,” Gilbert added.  “Teachers in the camp academy are dedicated to helping children build self-confidence, advance academic skills, and experience new ways of learning.”

She added the staff strives to provide fun, educational programs for youth through a variety of activities including art, literature, drama and creative play, along with the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects.

“Our camp teachers and leaders are dedicated to helping children build self-confidence, advance academic skills, and experience new and exciting ways of learning,” Gilbert also said.

The Summer Camp Academy activities are led both by A-State faculty and teachers from across Northeast Arkansas.  Camps are scheduled for half days, both morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday.  Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first serve basis and in consideration of student and family need.

Rep. Copenhaver Presents Check
State Rep. Harold Copenhaver (second from right) presents a $15,000 check to
(from left) Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the ASU System, Jessica Blackburn, coordinator, and
Dr. Beverly Gilbert, dean, Continuing Education and Community Outreach.

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