Four Arkansas Tech University students are members of the 2026-27 cohort for the Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy (ACCLA).
Jasmin McBride of Greenwood, Romie Price of Morrilton, Drake Riggs of Dover and Janet Rodriguez of Hot Springs are representing ATU in ACCLA during the program’s second year.
McBride, Riggs and Rodriguez are majoring in political science, while Price is majoring in emergency management.
Dr. Michael Rogers, ATU professor of political science, is a member of the ACCLA Advisory Committee.
Created and executed by the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, ACCLA provides upper-level university and college students with opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to evolve into the next generation of leadership for Arkansas and beyond.
The program began in September with an orientation and kickoff session that included remarks from Sen. Breanne Davis and Sen. Jamie Scott of the Arkansas State Legislature.
This year’s ACCLA cohort includes 41 students representing 12 Arkansas colleges and universities.
According to information provided by the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, they will “engage in a comprehensive civic education curriculum that includes immersive learning experiences” related to campaigns and elections, the Arkansas judiciary, journalism and media literacy, state government and local government.
Each ACCLA participant will also plan and implement a service-learning project.
The ATU Division of Academic Affairs provided scholarship assistance to cover the program fee for ACCLA participation by Arkansas Tech’s four representatives in the 2026-27 cohort.
ACCLA will host graduation for its class of 2027 April 9-10 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on top of Petit Jean Mountain.
Learn more about ACCLA at https://rockefellerinstitute.org/programs/arkansas-collegiate-civic-leadership-academy.
