Mammoth Spring, Ark. - After a brief hiatus, the EAST Initiative is returning to Mammoth Spring High School, bringing with it a renewed opportunity for students to use technology, creativity, and problem-solving to make a difference in their school and community.
EAST, or Education Accelerated by Service and Technology, is a project-based learning program that puts students in the driver’s seat. Rather than simply completing teacher-designed assignments, EAST students identify real needs, develop their own solutions, and work together to turn those ideas into action.
“We are really excited about bringing EAST back to Mammoth Spring,” said Pam Savage, MSHS EAST Facilitator. “EAST gives students the freedom to look at their school and community through their own eyes and identify things they believe could be improved. Then they get to take that idea and figure out how to make it happen. That ownership is what makes EAST so special.”
The program gives students opportunities to develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, project management, and technology while working on projects with a tangible impact beyond the classroom.
For Mammoth Spring High School Principal Scott Small, the return of EAST gives students another avenue to take initiative and apply what they are learning in meaningful ways.
“EAST is a great opportunity for our students to take ownership of something and see it through from an idea to a finished project,” Small said. “We want our students to be problem-solvers and leaders, and EAST gives them an environment where they can develop those skills while doing something that benefits their school and community.”
As the program gets underway, students will begin exploring potential projects and identifying challenges or opportunities they believe they can address. Projects may involve partnerships with community organizations, businesses, school departments, and other local partners.
The student-driven nature of EAST means that the direction of the program will ultimately be determined by the students themselves.
“We're not going to tell them what their projects need to be,” Savage said. “We're going to give them the support and resources they need and let them lead. I think that's where some of the most exciting ideas are going to come from.”
The EAST Initiative is also looking forward to the program's return to Mammoth Spring.
“We are thrilled to watch a new generation of EAST students become leaders of their community by solving real challenges,” said Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the EAST Initiative. “I look forward to seeing what innovations come from the program. Mammoth Spring is the perfect location for an EAST program, and we're honored to see EAST back at Mammoth Spring High School.”
With a new group of students ready to identify challenges, develop ideas, and put those ideas into action, Mammoth Spring High School is once again Looking EAST.
For more information on the EAST Initiative, visit its website.