Arkansas Department of Education

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

🍂⛰️ Arkansas is putting outdoor learning front and center. The "My Natural State Story" Essay Contest invites students to step outside, explore the Natural State, and turn real-world adventures into powerful stories that celebrate the places that shape us.

Arkansas students ages 10-17 can share a 500-word outdoor adventure in one of seven categories. Contest winners will earn prizes from Arkansas outdoor brands and an invitation to a celebration at the Governor's Mansion. Students can submit their stories at https://mynaturalstatestory.com. 🏕️

08/26/2026

ADE Joins Governor Sanders, Game & Fish, and Parks, Heritage & Tourism in Announcing the My Natural State Story Essay Contest 📲 https://dese.link/NatStateEssay

08/20/2026

Arkansas Launches Back-to-School Campaign to Help Families Build on Recent 8-Percentage-Point Gains in Student Reading. 📲 https://trst.in/XdU4Te

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

College applications shouldn’t be complicated.

Arkansas ACCESS is making the path from high school to higher education simpler than ever.

Apply here: araccessportal.adhe.edu

08/18/2026

Arkansas Launches Statewide ACCESS Portal, Creating One Universal College Application for Seniors. 📲 https://trst.in/piaCjM

08/13/2026

At the August meeting, our State Board of Education recognized the 2026 Civics Bee State Finalists and the President of Boys Nation for their accomplishments.👏🎉

🐝 Jai Durvasula (El Dorado School District) placed 1st and Ava Kate Fields (Russellville School District) placed 2nd in the Arkansas Civics Bee. The competition is modeled on the traditional spelling and geography bees and gives students a chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes. Jai will go on to compete at the national bee in October.

🇺🇸 Sawyer Ray (Fayetteville Public Schools) represented Arkansas at Boys Nation in July, where he was elected President. Boys Nation is a national civics program where 100 young men from Boys State programs across the country simulate U.S. Senate operations, debate legislation, and elect national officers. Sawyer is the first Arkansan to be elected to the top post in the program.