FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Talent Search programs sponsored five student delegates to this year’s National Student Leadership Congress, June 10-15 in Washington, D.C., organized by the Council for Opportunity in Education.

The rising high school juniors and seniors from Northwest Arkansas were among 170 students selected from Upward Bound and Talent Search programs, two of the seven federally-funded college access and success programs known as “TRIO.” They all took part in the six-day residential event, which is based at Georgetown University.

The local students chosen to attend were:

• Alexia Lo from Gentry High School
• John Long from Gentry High School
• Alaina Brown from McDonald County High School
• Ashley Hart from Northside High School
• Aridai Araujo from Springdale High School

“The experience was amazing,” said Lo. “I won’t ever forget this wonderful opportunity of a lifetime.”

The focus of the Congress is to develop service-oriented leaders and to empower students to advocate for educational policy issues impacting their communities and the nation

“It was the best trip I’ve ever been on,” said Brown “I learned a lot of inspiring information.” 

John Long agreed. ““It was amazing. The experience is one that I will never forget. My life will never be the same.”

As part of the event the students experienced cultural trips to Washington, D.C. monuments and Smithsonian museums, met with members of Congress or their staff, and participated in a Mock Congress.

“It was life changing,” said Arayjo. “I learned so much in just six days and met many great people from all around the U.S. and territories.”

The students also attended workshops on college application, civic engagement, leadership, public service, and diversity.  

“The biggest impact was meeting so many people from different backgrounds and with different leadership skills,” said Hart.

University of Arkansas Talent Search staff member Xong Lor and University of Arkansas alumnus Roman Ruiz were also among fourteen people selected nationally to serve as National Student Leadership Congress mentors.

“TRIO” educational programs serve almost a million students in the U.S. and its territories.