PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Pulaski County Special School District’s dedication to providing an evidence-informed education that prepares students for success in the real world has led it to earn the annual EVERFI Empowered Seal.
Now in its fourth year, the EVERFI Empowered Seal is a designation awarded to public school districts that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to comprehensive education strategies on topics such as financial literacy, health, and careers. The annual Empowered Seal is awarded to select districts for their demonstrated commitment to whole-child education through the use of EVERFI's comprehensive, evidence-informed digital programs.
“It’s exciting to see evidence-based results of PCSSD’s dedication to its students through this nationally recognized program,” said Pam Black, now-retired director of career and technical education. “Our educators' work and compassion has a lasting impact on the lives of our students. We’re thankful for the opportunity that our students have to engage in such programs”
These programs include, as mentioned previously, financial education, STEM and career readiness, character education, health and wellness, history and early academic readiness. Within PCSSD, more than 2,000 students are using these programs across 13 schools. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, nearly two dozen teachers spent 7,458 hours teaching and engaging with students on these topics.
In addition to being recognized nationally for their work, the Empowered Seal provides districts with the opportunity to apply for the Empowered Seal grant. Six Empowered Seal districts will be selected as winners, with each district’s preferred non-profit receiving $1,000.