May 24, 2024
Arkansas PBS offers unique opportunity to view immersive civics program
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS and Arkansas Boys State 2024 have partnered to livestream presentations, speeches and elections from the immersive civics program Sunday, May 26, through Thursday, May 30, on the Arkansas Citizens Access Network (AR-CAN), myarpbs.org/arcan.
Arkansas Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, immerses high school juniors in civics education. Since 1940, the week-long camp has helped shape the next generation of leaders, many of whom have gone on to become state, national and international leaders. Past participants have included President Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chief of Staff Mack McLarty, Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp, among others.
During their week at Arkansas Boys State, delegates are assigned a political party, city and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week’s end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making lifelong memories and friends – all under the guiding principle “Democracy Depends on Me.”
The livestreaming schedule will include:
- Sunday, May 26, at 3:45 p.m. – Opening Session and Keynote. More than 560 young men from throughout Arkansas will convene for the 83rd session of Arkansas Boys State. The opening ceremony will include remarks from University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. Charles Robinson.
- Tuesday, May 28, at 11:25 a.m. – General Session. Delegates will hear remarks from Dr. Rodrigo Salas, executive director of the free English and Spanish business accelerator programs in Northwest Arkansas run by Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll).
- Wednesday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. – General Assembly. Delegates will hear remarks from Arkansas Boys State alumnus Dr. Chris Jones of Vortex PAC.
- Wednesday, May 29, at 11:30 a.m. – General Assembly: State Legislators. Delegates will hear remarks from members of the Arkansas Legislature, led by Sen. Steve Crowell and Rep. R.J. Hawk.
- Thursday, May 30, at 8:45 a.m. – State Office General Elections Speeches. Delegates will deliver speeches in their campaigns for statewide office.
- Thursday, May 30, at 2:10 p.m. – Boys National Election Speeches. Delegates will deliver speeches in their campaigns to serve as Arkansas’s representative to Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.
The following members of the Arkansas Legislature serve on the Arkansas Boys State Committee: Sen. Steve Crowell, chair; Rep. R.J. Hawk, chair; Rep. Matt Brown, vice chair; Sen. Bart Hester, Sen. Clarke Tucker, Rep. Wade Andrews, Sen. Ben Gilmore, Rep. Brian S. Evans, Sen. Tyler Dees, Rep. Jack Ladyman, Rep. Wayne Long, Rep. Richard McGrew, Rep. Britt McKenzie, Rep. Jay Richardson and Rep. Johnny Rye.
A complete schedule and livestreaming coverage is available at myarpbs.org/arcan. Additional information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
About AR-CAN
AR-CAN provides unprecedented access to state government, giving Arkansas citizens a front row seat to legislative proceedings, board and commission meetings, and other government hearings and activities. The website is dedicated to livestreaming Arkansas state government events and meetings and serves as an important educational tool, allowing students to see their government at work while learning about public affairs and civic responsibility.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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