academies ofcentral arkansas jacksnville high school cover photo showing culinary scholars

JNPSD CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ACADEMIES OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS FOUNDATION

Jacksonville, Ark. – The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD) is reaffirming its commitment to preparing every student for college, career, and life through the continuation of its partnership with the Academies of Central Arkansas. This work now enters an exciting new chapter with the creation of the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to expand resources and deepen collaboration among participating school districts in Pulaski County.

As a proud member of the Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) community, the Academies model transforms the high school experience by connecting academics to career pathways, giving students the chance to learn through hands-on projects, work-based learning opportunities, and direct engagement with business and community partners. With the support of the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation, JNPSD students will have even more access to meaningful experiences that build skills, confidence, and purpose.

“The partnership with the Academies has already provided tremendous opportunities for our students, and we're thrilled with the outstanding progress achieved through this collaboration,” said Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of JNPSD. “Looking ahead, the backing from the new Foundation will enable us to broaden these opportunities in ways that perfectly support our vision to empower students to become a successful, contributing members of society. United in this effort, we're forging a brighter tomorrow for every Jacksonville Titan.”

Markous Jewett, President & CEO of the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation, noted the significance of expanding the work: “The Foundation exists to connect schools with the broader community, ensuring all students benefit from the collective support of business leaders, educators, and civic partners. We have a tremendous relationship with JNPSD, and we are equally committed to work together to build a system where every student has the chance to explore careers, build relationships, and take bold steps toward their future – all of which will happen as a result of our continued partnership and the visionary leadership of Dr. Owoh.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Academies of Central Arkansas has united the public school districts in Central Arkansas around a shared vision of transforming the high school experience for nearly 12,000 students each year. This regional initiative was championed by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, which continues to play a vital role in supporting the Academies’ growth. The newly formed Foundation builds on that visionary leadership, ensuring sustainability, expanding business and community involvement, and driving consistent implementation across all districts.

For more information about the Academies of Central Arkansas and the work of the new Foundation, visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.


About Jacksonville North Pulaski School District
The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is a district where traditional values meet innovative programs. Established in June 2016, the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District serves more than 4,200 scholars in grades PreK-12. Each teacher, administrator and staff member is behind our mission to…”foster a culture of ownership and accountability through partnerships that create multiple pathways for success.” 

About the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation
The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation is a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and expanding the Academies of Central Arkansas model across Pulaski County. Serving as the regional convening organization, the Foundation works in partnership with participating public-school districts to connect students with meaningful, career-connected learning experiences. By engaging business, civic, and community partners, the Foundation ensures that every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life. For more information, visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.