LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 17, 2023) – The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of the UAMS Academy of Health Sciences to be located at Little Rock Hall STEAM Magnet High School. This partnership between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Hall High School and the Little Rock School District is a core foundation for the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.
Scholars in the UAMS Academy of Health Sciences will benefit from several opportunities for hands-on learning throughout their four years at Hall High School. Beginning in their freshman year, scholars will participate in many career exposure events, including the Academies of Central Arkansas Career Expo, where UAMS Health will be present alongside other central Arkansas business to showcase career opportunities for all students. Scholars in their sophomore year will have opportunities to tour UAMS facilities to get a live look into the different aspects in the health care industry. In addition to the opportunities to hear from guest speakers and participate in mock interviews, scholars in their junior and senior years will have opportunities to apply for potential internships and externships, earn concurrent credit and industry recognized credentials, and many other unique opportunities that a partner like UAMS has to offer.
Additionally, UAMS Health will provide Hall High School with curriculum and credentialing advice, mentorship to both staff and students, and expertise on project-based learning embedded into coursework in both core academics and career classes. UAMS Health representatives will also have representation on the regional industry council and school advisory board and provide needed equipment and financial resources for the implementation of the medical pathways of study.
”UAMS is pleased to partner with the Little Rock School District to provide this unique learning opportunity for the students of Hall High School,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “We hope that some of the students in this academy will be inspired to pursue careers in health care, and that they will join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of Arkansans.”
The Academies of Central Arkansas is a joint initiative of the four public school districts across Pulaski County and the regional business community. In 2019, the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts, together with the five Pulaski County chambers of commerce and business and civic leaders, began implementing high school academies within all public high schools in the county, serving all students.
Little Rock Regional Chamber President & CEO Jay Chesshir said, “UAMS has historically been involved with schools throughout our community. Creating the new UAMS Academy of Health Sciences at Hall STEAM Magnet High School further demonstrates their commitment to a deeper level of engagement with Hall students, faculty, and parents. The ability to actively engage with UAMS professionals will provide these high school scholars eye-opening opportunities in all aspects of the biomedical and healthcare industries better preparing them for college, career and lifetime experiences.”
"Today, we are thrilled to join the Chamber for the announcement of yet another exciting and transformative partnership. The collaboration between Hall STEAM Magnet High School and UAMS will create a world of opportunities for our students, providing them with hands-on access to cutting-edge medical education, research, and mentorship. Together, we will inspire, empower, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders, fostering a brighter future for our community," said Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright.
Implementation of the Academies of Central Arkansas will take several years to fully build out. Once completed, this educational approach will help transform high schools for all students within the four school districts. The Little Rock Regional Chamber is still actively recruiting business partners for all Academy high schools. Businesses interested in getting more information can reach out to the chamber directly or visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.