HCA students share aspirations

University of Arkansas-Hope Dean of Secondary Programs Mikki Curtis introduced six students from the Hope Collegiate Academy during an overview of the HCA for the Hope Public Schools Board of Education meeting Dec. 13. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools

HOPE – Senior students from the Hope Collegiate Academy of the University of Arkansas-Hope shared their aspirations after graduation from the HCA in May, 2022, as UAHT Dean of Secondary Programs Mikki Curtis presented an overview of the “school within a school” to the Hope Public Schools Board of Education.

Featured during the Dec. 13 meeting of the school board, the HCA provides any Hope High School student the opportunity for a college immersive course of study from grades 10-12 that results in obtaining both an Associate of Arts degree and an HHS diploma upon graduation at no cost to the student.

Curtis emphasized the success of the partnership from its first class of graduates in May, 2021.

“All of our students graduated with their Associate’s degree,” she said.

Each of those degrees is fully transferable to any public college or university in Arkansas.

“We love the partnership,” Curtis said.

The current HCA cohort is comprised of 59 students, with 25 sophomores, 15 juniors and 19 seniors. Curtis said she hopes to double the enrollment at the HCA in 2022.

Six seniors offered the board a glimpse of their plans after graduation.

Carly Beck intends to continue studies at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia to become a teacher. Beck said she holds the personal relationships fostered by the HCA as most memorable to her.

Ashlyn Courtney intends to major in nursing at the University of Arkansas to become a nurse anesthetist. Courtney said she appreciated the relationships developed at the HCA and the study skills it has helped her develop for the future.

Alana Flenory plans to study criminology at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to pursue a career in criminal forensic science. Flenory said she appreciated the level of diversity at the HCA.

Alecia Bradley intends to study psychology at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville toward a medical degree and career as a practicing psychologist. Bradley said she appreciated the safe campus environment at UAH.

Hunter Mathis plans to study chemistry at Arkansas Tech University in order to teach the subject, and eventually obtain administrative and district leadership credentials to become a school superintendent. Mathis said the HCA focused his preparation for the future in a way he could not have had anywhere else.

Collin Easterling intends to complete studies toward HVAC credentials at UAHT.