More than $3.18 million has been awarded to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institute for Digital Health and Innovation through a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create a communication skills program in Little Rock schools. The program is designed to help teach children conflict resolution, relationship building and critical decision-making skills. 

It will be known as the REAL (respect, empowerment, awareness, life) Deal program and will work to help students learn communication skills and navigate their friendships, dating, family dynamics and future careers. The Little Rock School District’s Accelerated Learning Center and Hamilton Learning Academy will offer the program during a series of 16 workshops throughout the school year, as well as summer youth programs through the city of Little Rock.

“The idea behind the REAL Deal is about giving students the kind of practical, real-life relationship skills that make everything else in their world easier — how they communicate, handle conflict, make decisions and recognize what’s healthy versus harmful,” said Jule Trammell Sheppard, project director and grant manager with the institute, in a press release. “The whole idea is to give students a safe, supportive place to learn how to build healthy relationships, manage emotions, communicate clearly and avoid situations that can escalate into conflict or harm.”  

Sheppard said in addition to strengthening skills that students will carry with them throughout their lives, there are immediate benefits for school safety. 

“When students know how to handle conflict, things de-escalate much faster,” Sheppard said. “While they understand what abuse looks like, they’re more likely to speak up, and when they feel supported and connected, they stay engaged with school instead of pulling away. We’re really hoping the REAL Deal makes a meaningful impact on Little Rock youth because it strengthens the kind of skills that shape every part of their lives.” 

Crystal Green-Braswell, director of culture, climate and well-being in the LRSD’s Division of Teaching, Learning and Leading, will lead the program on the school side. 

“We are committed to utilizing this support to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for all students,” Green-Braswell said in a press release. 

Additionally, the program will be implemented at two Little Rock community centers through a partnership with the city of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department. Workshops will be embedded into already existing after-school programs and summer enrichment programming. 

“The REAL Deal Program empowers Little Rock’s young people and creates real opportunities for health decision-making and long-term success,” Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said in a press release. “The city of Little Rock is excited to be a partner through the city’s numerous youth outreach initiatives.” 

The REAL Deal program will partner with the Arkansas Relationship Counseling Center, the Arkansas Commission of Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, the Center Against Family Violence and the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Two full-time social workers will also be hired to help implement the program and provide support. 

“The REAL Deal is about meeting students where they are and giving them practical skills they can use every day — how to communicate, manage emotions, resolve conflict and build healthy relationships,” said Jermall Wright, Little Rock School District superintendent, in a press release. “We’re grateful to our partners at UAMS for their continued collaboration and commitment to supporting the whole child, because we invest in relationships and social-emotional learning, we truly change students’ trajectories.” 

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