2025 Schedule

Important Dates Details
January 11, 2025 STRIVE Open House (Hybrid): Doors open at 11:30 am with food. Presentations will be from 12-2 pm. After the presentations, those who plan to stay will go to Jack Stephens Center to attend the UA Little Rock basketball game.

Use the RSVP form to sign up and get the Zoom link, if you are not attending in person.
February 15, 2025 Priority applications are due by the end of the day Sunday, February 15, 2025.
March – April The selection process takes place (interviews with STRIVE staff and business partners if applicable).
May – June New STRIVE teachers complete first portion of professional development in Google Classroom to prepare for on-site placement in June. Approximately 6 hours of time required.

Meet with your assigned mentor to prepare for placement.
June 6

 

June 9

 June 6 – Zoom preparatory meeting on June 6 from 1 – 5 pm. Help get you oriented with STRIVE goals and STEM skills before you start at your placement!

June 9 – Placement starts: teachers begin working in their assigned roles at their business placement (dates arranged with business partners):

  • 144 hours over 20 days on site (assuming 8 hour workdays)
  • 10% of time reserved (16 hours over 20 days) for working on developing a class activity or unit.
  • 5-10% of time spent with different workers in the company to experience a variety of STEM applications at that location.
June 23-24 Onsite professional development in Little Rock. We will provide accommodations for participants who need lodging (eligible if driving more than 30 minutes). Daytime events at UA Little Rock’s STEM Education Center.

  • Monday from 9 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm
  • Tuesday from 9 – 4 pm
July 11 Last day of placement at your business.
July 14-15 Final onsite professional development workshop

  • Monday from 12 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm
  • Tuesday from 9 – 12 noon
August Meet with your mentors to finalize curricular unit creation.
September to November Implement your STRIVE curricular unit with your students and collect data on its impact.
December Submit your mentor-approved finalized lesson plan by December 1.

Create and refine your open house presentation with your mentor.
January 2026 Submit your mentor-approved open-house presentation by January 5th.

STRIVE Open House – share your STRIVE journey with community partners, future STRIVE teachers, and potential business partners. Please RSVP here (and share with all your colleagues and potential businesses that might be interested)!

Final teacher stipend dispersed (based on completion of program) via mail.