P.A.R.K. - Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids
In 1989, P.A.R.K.'s founder, Keith Jackson, had a vision from God about helping teenagers overcome the obstacles of violence and troubled lives. As Keith got older - graduating from the University of Oklahoma and joining the National Football League, he developed his vision of P.A.R.K., creating a "place that will give kids hope, strong values, and confidence." P.A.R.K.'s mission states that through a positive atmosphere built on love, nurturing, and discipline, P.A.R.K. strives to enrich the lives of central Arkansas' high-risk youth (grades 8 - 12). Specifically, P.A.R.K. exists to build confidence, self-esteem, and spiritual awareness in its members, to ensure their academic achievement, to expand their horizons, and to instill in them the importance of helping others.
P.A.R.K. is a comprehensive year-round weekly educational after-school and summer enrichment program for underserved youth, grades 8 through 12, with grade point averages less than 2.8 in central Arkansas to impact and change their lives one child at a time. P.A.R.K. provides a balanced homework management and tutoring program, leadership development, and community service to mold productive citizens. The ultimate goal of P.A.R.K. is to help students reach their full potential, graduate from high school, and enter an institution of higher education.
In January 1993, the former Tight End for the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, and Green Bay Packers' dream became a reality with the formation of the non-profit P.A.R.K., Inc. P.A.R.K. raised over $900,000 in pledges and $545,000 in foundation grants and individual and corporate donations. It was decided that government money would not be a part of the vision.
In July 1995, a 51,000-square-foot, tattered building was purchased in Southwest Little Rock, with extensive renovations to follow. In the 1995/1996 school year, seven years after Keith’s initial vision, 25 eighth-graders entered the P.A.R.K. program. In May of 2000, eight of the initial 25 students graduated from the five-year program. In the summer of 2000, P.A.R.K. reached its target capacity of 250 students, and in 2001, P.A.R.K. experienced a complete renovation thanks to a $5.2 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation saw the need for a fresh look for students making a fresh start in their academic and personal lives.
Under Keith's watchful eye, many kids have been helped and inspired to reach beyond their potential. To date, P.A.R.K. has seen 582 students graduate from the program. 117 students have graduated from college, with 16 receiving Master's degrees, 1 Juris Doctorate, and 1 PH.D.
P.A.R.K., now in its 28th year of serving the youth of Central Arkansas, continues to change lives. Keith remains a vital part of the program by hanging out with the kids and tirelessly raising money to keep P.A.R.K. going for years to come.
www.positivekids.org
P.A.R.K. is a comprehensive year-round weekly educational after-school and summer enrichment program for underserved youth, grades 8 through 12, with grade point averages less than 2.8 in central Arkansas to impact and change their lives one child at a time. P.A.R.K. provides a balanced homework management and tutoring program, leadership development, and community service to mold productive citizens. The ultimate goal of P.A.R.K. is to help students reach their full potential, graduate from high school, and enter an institution of higher education.
In January 1993, the former Tight End for the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, and Green Bay Packers' dream became a reality with the formation of the non-profit P.A.R.K., Inc. P.A.R.K. raised over $900,000 in pledges and $545,000 in foundation grants and individual and corporate donations. It was decided that government money would not be a part of the vision.
In July 1995, a 51,000-square-foot, tattered building was purchased in Southwest Little Rock, with extensive renovations to follow. In the 1995/1996 school year, seven years after Keith’s initial vision, 25 eighth-graders entered the P.A.R.K. program. In May of 2000, eight of the initial 25 students graduated from the five-year program. In the summer of 2000, P.A.R.K. reached its target capacity of 250 students, and in 2001, P.A.R.K. experienced a complete renovation thanks to a $5.2 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation saw the need for a fresh look for students making a fresh start in their academic and personal lives.
Under Keith's watchful eye, many kids have been helped and inspired to reach beyond their potential. To date, P.A.R.K. has seen 582 students graduate from the program. 117 students have graduated from college, with 16 receiving Master's degrees, 1 Juris Doctorate, and 1 PH.D.
P.A.R.K., now in its 28th year of serving the youth of Central Arkansas, continues to change lives. Keith remains a vital part of the program by hanging out with the kids and tirelessly raising money to keep P.A.R.K. going for years to come.
www.positivekids.org
