Alcoa Foundation Awards City $10K for Outdoor Classroom

The Alcoa Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the City of Arkadelphia to erect outdoor classroom space at the DeSoto Bluff. The city will use the funds to purchase and install multiple benches and an A.D.A.-accessible picnic table along the DeSoto Bluff Trail. The classroom space will be used primarily by students in Dr. Mike Reynolds' outdoor recreation classes who learn the "Leave No Trace" principle and gain an appreciation of nature, including local wildlife and plants, as well as the rich history and culture of the area. In 2013, the Alcoa Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 to organizations in Clark County, including $20,000 for the new tech program at Arkadelphia Public Schools. Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., and for the past 60 years has sought to make a difference in more than 20 countries where Alcoa operates. In addition to addressing local needs in communities where Alcoa operates, Alcoa Foundation is focused on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning. 

Kathy Combs and local plant manager Britt Scheer of the Gum Springs Alcoa Plant presented the check to city representatives (from left to right): Mike Volz, director of parks and recreation, and Jimmy Bolt, city manager.