PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Students from each of the four high schools in Pulaski County Special School District gathered for some fun team building exercises on October 6, 2021. These students will represent their respective schools as Career Academy Ambassadors for the Academies of Central Arkansas.
The PCSSD Career Academy Ambassadors went through the ExCEL Program at the 4-H Center to begin building leadership skills in order to prepare them to lead on their high school campus. ExCEL's challenge course program is an outdoor adventure into self-confidence, clearer communication, and new perspectives. Through the experience, the students' cooperation and trust in others will grow. We use dynamic outdoor activities to translate leadership skills immediately into real-life situations. ExCEL can be used to complement traditional education.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES FROM THE TRAINING (posted on PCSSD Facebook page)
These scholars will be asked to lead tours and assist with sharing information about the academies and pathways on their campuses. PCSSD will have the following academies at its high schools:
- Joe T. Robinson High School
- Academy of Science and Technology
- Academy of Business and Design
- Maumelle High School
- Academy of Business, Technology and Social Services
- Academy of Science and Construction
- Mills University Studies High School
- Academy of Digital Communication and Fine Arts
- Academy of Leadership and Social Services
- Sylvan Hills High School
- Academy of Engineering, Aerospace and Design
- Academy of Small Business, Product Marketing and Cosmetology
- Academy of Medical Science and Human Services
The ExCEL program helped these students by teaching them how to trust in themselves and others. As leaders for their high school, the students must have strong communication skills which is something they learned during the challenge course as well. Above all, the ambassadors walked away with a stronger sense of self-confidence that will allow them to best represent their school and academies.
ExCEL participants are guided through the program by University of Arkansas educators who are experienced in working with youth and adults. The program includes icebreakers, team initiatives (problem solving challenges designed to improve communication and leadership skills) low ropes course elements (built structures that are low to the ground designed to increase trust and reliability) high ropes course (twenty obstacles built in trees and utility poles) and zip line.
Special thanks to Telcoe Federal Credit Union and Sherwood Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the training.