Important DatesDetails
Fall 2025Applications will be screened on a rolling basis until spots are filled.
February 21st, 2026STRIVE Open House (Hybrid): Doors open at 10:30 am. Presentations will be from 11-1 pm. After the presentations, those who plan to stay will go to Jack Stephens Center to attend the UA Little Rock basketball game.

Please RSVP to let us know how you plan to attend.
Between acceptance of STRIVE position and starting your engaging with your business mentorNew 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.
Before June 5thMeet with your assigned mentor to prepare for placement.
June 5

 





June 8










In-person preparatory meeting on June 5 from 9 am – 4 pm at UA Little Rock. Help get you oriented with STRIVE goals, STEM skills, and how to dive in to your placement which starts next week!


Placement starts June 8th: teachers begin working in their assigned roles at their business placement – 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 11Check in meeting with your mentor and mentor group.
    June 18 – 19



    		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.

    • Thursday June 18th from 11 – 8 pm

    • Friday June 19th from 8 – 4 pm
    June 25Check in meeting with your mentor and mentor group.
    July 2Check in meeting with your mentor and mentor group.
    July 8Last day of placement at your business.
    July 9Final onsite professional development in Little Rock. We will provide accommodations for participants who need lodging (eligible if driving more than 30 minutes).

    • Thursday July 9th from 9 am – 5 pm
    September 15Meet with the 2026 teachers and mentors at 5 pm via Zoom.
    September to November





    November 17    		Implement your STRIVE curricular unit with your students and collect data on its impact.
    Meet with your mentor to discuss reflection after implementation of your unit.

    Meet with the 2026 teachers and leadership at 5 pm via Zoom.
    December






    December 8    		Submit your mentor-approved finalized lesson plan by December.

    Create and refine your open house presentation with your mentor.


    Meet with your mentor and mentor group at 5 pm via Zoom.
    February 6, 2027Submit your mentor-approved open-house presentation within 3 weeks of open house.

    STRIVE Open House – share your STRIVE journey with community partners, future STRIVE teachers, and potential business partners.

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