News and Updates | December 2021
New program will give more students access to education options
The Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program provides funding for students whose families need financial assistance to access private schools. The goal is for all students to have access to the learning environment that best meets their needs. We will keep everyone updated on how to donate and how to apply for the program.

In this video inspired by the chopping dance trend, we answer some common questions.
As part our celebration of the holidays, we are inviting schools across the state to participate in our Gingerbread Schoolhouse Competition. In order to enter, the school needs to submit a photo of a gingerbread replica of the school. All forms of schools (including traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, microschools and homeschool co-ops) can enter via completing the form at the button below or submitting their photo via email to comms@thereformalliance.org.
The Reform Alliance out in the community!
We shared free tickets to the Little Rock Zoo with the families of active duty military and veterans on Nov. 13.
Our team traveled to Florida for 2021 National Summit on Education hosted by ExcelinEd on Nov. 18-19.
We got to serve meals for families in need at the Little Rock Compassion Center On Nov. 24.
Education News and Headlines
Image Source: Arkansas Online
Success of Pine Bluff charter defies stereotypes
Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff "is breaking down the stereotype that schools with a high poverty rate cannot perform well academically." The school led the Central Region on growth in English Language Arts and finished in the top 10 statewide in that category.
Fight for the Kids
"States around the country are waking up to the idea that parents, not the government, should be in charge of their children's education. Our Legislature needs to take notice of what's happening around the country. It's time to stop fighting over kids and start fighting for kids."
Image Source: Decatur Public Schools
Census rezoning moves school board elections to coincide with primary or general elections
"Next year will be the most consequential and highest-voter-turnout school board elections in Arkansas history, as districts rezoned because of the 2020 census are required to hold all-new elections."
Faces of Freedom
These are the voices of Arkansas families who have benefited from Arkansas’s Succeed Scholarship Program:

"My son is eighth generation of Jacksons in the small community of Berryville — the first one with autism. He attended public school like his sisters before him but struggled with behaviors and keeping up. The school did what they could to accommodate, but as he got older we knew that is was difficult for him and the school. His speech at the time was very little and in phrases he had memorized. We started at the Grace School in May of 2020, which was a huge drain on our family the drive each day and $18,000 tuition. However, immediately we saw huge changes in Mills. He made friends; his behaviors improved; and the school worked with us to improve them at home too. We had a community of parents just like us!!! It has been over a year now, and Mills and I can have complete conversations. He is sounding out words and typing them. He loves to “work out” on the treadmill at school. In fall of 2021 we got our first Succeed Scholarship, and what a huge help that has been! We have a daughter in college, and my work times are restricted due to Mills care and school, so this made our lives much better. Thank you Reform Alliance for helping Mills be all he can be." – Missy, parent
The Reform Alliance is proud to manage the Succeed Scholarship at no cost to the State of Arkansas. Even small expenses like the cost of mailing checks to schools are paid for by a private foundation grant. 
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every K-12 student in Arkansas has equal access to a world class education. Our mission is to create a network of parent and community leaders so every policy decision and every conversation about education starts and ends with how it impacts our kids.