SPRINGDALE, Ark.—As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month unfolded this May, SWEPCO celebrates its sponsorship of the Marshallese Youth Initiative (MYI), a pioneering program that aims to empower Marshallese youth in Northwest Arkansas. It’s a program funded by the AEP Foundation and in partnership with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Springdale School District.
The initiative was created through a $100,000 grant from the AEP Foundation as part of its “Delivering on the Dream” social justice grant program. This funding will help build leadership skills and boost confidence among Marshallese students, fostering a brighter future for them and their community.
Springdale, Arkansas is home to the largest Marshallese community outside the Republic of the Marshall Islands. SWEPCO Government and Environmental Manager Bradley Hardin thought an outreach program would be a perfect match for AEP’s goals to give back to the communities we serve.
"We sought to make a meaningful impact in our community by empowering the next generation of Marshallese leaders. We recognized that the Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas needed a program tailored to build self-confidence, cultural pride and leadership skills,” said Hardin. “The Marshallese Youth Initiative provides these young students with the tools and opportunities to thrive while honoring their rich heritage. By empowering them, we are investing in a stronger, more inclusive future for all of us."
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is situated just west of the international date line in the Pacific. These atolls experienced significant nuclear testing during the 1940s that resulted in forced migration and cultural disruption. A growing population found the foothills of the Boston Mountains in the Arkansas Ozarks a welcoming place to call home and the Marshallese community has strived to preserve its rich traditions while adapting to life in Northwest Arkansas.
“We are thankful for the partnership with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and the AEP Foundation,” said Trent Jones, Springdale Public Schools’ Director of Communications, who emphasized the importance of empowering the young Marshallese population. “We share the same deep commitment to better our community by investing in our children. This program will extend far beyond the walls of our schools and aligns with our efforts to develop minds that think, hearts that care, and hands that serve.”
The MYI specifically targets 6th and 7th-grade Marshallese students from the Springdale School District, providing leadership training and personal development to guide them toward success.
"These kids will learn things that their parents never had the chance to. They will break the cycle and create something better," said school liaison Edison Enos.
Bill Rogers, Springdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, expressed gratitude for the program’s potential. “Our programming will provide leadership and personal development skill training for these worthy 6th graders,” said Rogers.
The program started with a traditional Marshallese meal, bringing together students, families, and sponsors to celebrate the beginning of a transformative journey.
"They're shy right now and don't know what to expect. But with each session, they'll learn about our community and themselves, gaining confidence to pursue their dreams, " shared Ginger Lamar, who helped develop the program with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.
As the MYI embarked on its 12-month journey, the 30 middle school student cohort will navigate opportunities in education and health.
Since the beginning of the program, students have explored life-enrichment opportunities, including a session in financial literacy with Arvest Bank, a living healthy session at Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest and Northwest Health in Springdale.
“Our programming will provide leadership and personal development skill training for these worthy 6th graders,” said Bill Rogers, Springdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
See the Marshallese translation here:
SWEPCO ej kile im kauteij alloñ in an Asian American im Pacific Islander bareinwot ippen Doulul eo an Jodikdik in Majol
