Arkansas National Guard Foundation Presents Check to Fund New Military-Focused High School Curriculum
Mr. Damon Cluck and Lt. Col Ryan Workman present a check to Mr. John Ashworth, the Executive Director and Superintendent of Virtual Arkansas and his team. From right to left, Mr. Damon Cluck, Executive Director of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation (ANGF), Lt. Col. Ryan Workman, President of ANGF, BG Chad Bridges, The Adjutant General of Arkansas, Mr. Mr. John Ashworth, the Executive Director and Superintendent of Virtual Arkansas, Dr. Brandie Benton, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Candice McPherson, Director of Design & Development, and Ms. Paula McDougald, Lead Course Design & Development Specialist.
Little Rock, AR – [October 29, 2024] – The Arkansas National Guard Foundation is proud to announce the presentation of funding to support the creation and implementation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway for Arkansas high schools: the “Arkansas Military Service and Security Pathway” (AMSSP). This innovative three-year curriculum, designed by Virtual Arkansas, focuses on history, civics, and social studies, with the goal of promoting awareness of military history and encouraging interest in careers in military service and security.
Lt. Col. Ryan Workman, President of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation, explained that the funding for this project was made possible through contributions from three key sources:
- A $10,000 gift from Ms. Jane Stubbs, wife of Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs, in honor of her father, the late Lloyd Mark Berry of Bayou Meto, Arkansas.
- A $5,000 grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation.
- Additional funding from a 2022 grant provided by the Office of the Attorney General of Arkansas.
The purpose of the AMSSP initiative is to provide students with in-depth knowledge of U.S. and Arkansas military history while opening pathways to future careers in military service. The curriculum will meet Arkansas Department of Education pathway standards and students will earn a CTE credit for each of the three courses Additionally, approval is being sought for additional credits in social studies and professional communication.
The AMSSP courses will be available virtually and in digital format, ensuring statewide access for all Arkansas high school districts. The program’s design is tailored to reduce the burden on local schools, making it easy for existing faculty to adopt and teach the curriculum. The first-year course content is ready and is accessible by all high school students beginning this academic year.
Lt. Col. Henry Reed, Head of Recruiting for the Arkansas Air National Guard, outlined the primary goals of the project:
- Educate Arkansas students about U.S. and state military history.
- Raise awareness of career opportunities within the Arkansas National Guard and other branches of the U.S. military.
- Encourage increased participation in military service, whether immediately after high school or later through college and trade schools.
The curriculum development is being led by Virtual Arkansas; an organization recognized for its expertise in digital education. With their innovative approach, Virtual Arkansas ensures that all course materials will be accessible remotely and easily integrated by high school faculty.
To ensure historical accuracy and academic rigor, Dr. Shawn Fisher, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of History and Political Science at Harding University, is advising the project. Dr. Fisher is a renowned scholar on Arkansas military history, with a Ph.D. dissertation focused on the role of the Arkansas National Guard during the 1957 Central High Crisis in Little Rock. His leadership will ensure the highest educational quality across the three-year course content.
“This project represents a meaningful investment in the education of Arkansas students, equipping them with a deeper understanding of military history and the many career opportunities available in military service,” said Lt. Col. Workman.
The Arkansas National Guard Foundation’s mission is to provide charitable and educational support to the members of the Arkansas National Guard, veterans, and the broader community. Through initiatives such as the AMSSP, the Foundation seeks to expand opportunities that enhance education, health, and readiness for National Guard members and their families.
For more information about the Arkansas National Guard Foundation or the AMSSP initiative, please contact:
Contact:
Damon Cluck
Executive Director,
Arkansas National Guard Foundation
O: 501-758-6422
C: 501-772-1270
dcluck@angf.us
About the Arkansas National Guard Foundation:
The Arkansas National Guard Foundation provides charitable and educational support to members of the Arkansas National Guard, veterans, and other organizations supporting these communities. The Foundation aims to make a lasting impact by expanding educational, social, and health-related programs, while enhancing the readiness and well-being of Guard members and their families.