STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education at the University of Arkansas just got better. 

• Learning for everyone: The Science Education Partnership Award program recently awarded the University of Arkansas $1.25 million to introduce and advance opportunities for both underrepresented students and teachers to engage. 
• Starting early: This is the first time the university has received a grant from the Science Education Partnership. The $1.25 million is a five-year grant, and its key components are opening up opportunities for people of color and providing students early access to STEAM classes. The U of A will soon have a one-week STEAM summer program targeting rural, low-resource, and kids of color. 

Read more HERE. 

The Botanical Garden of the Ozark’s annual International Festival is one month out from today — September 18! 

• All welcome: The International Festival is free for the public to attend and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and different cultures. The event will be on the last day of “Welcoming Week” (September 9-18), during which a series of events nationwide will bring people together and raise awareness of the benefits of inclusion. 
• Learning and growth: The festival at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks will feature food from around the world, traditional dance performances and demonstrations, arts, cultural items for sale, and more. Attendees will also have opportunity to talk to experts and engage with resources for multiple marginalized communities. 

Learn more HERE. 

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber's new quarterly report highlights its progress toward its vision of becoming "the center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all."

• All-encompassing: The report is called "Mission 5" and includes info on Economic Development, Community Development, Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Advocacy & Government Affairs, and Destination Marketing & Management. 
• Steady progress: In Economic Development alone, in Q2, Rogers reported sales tax collections remaining above 2021 levels, 1,200+ jobs created, $1.55 million in capital improvements, four businesses opened with 18 more to come soon, and much more. 

Click HERE for more. 

A new coffee shop in the area, Summer Moon, announced it is hosting a Grand Opening Event on Saturday, September 3rd. 

• Coffee party: Summer Moon’s newest location is in the Evelyn Hills shopping mall and near the Shops at BrickCity. The event on September 3 will mark the official opening of the shop and begin at 7a. The first 50 attendees will receive an exclusive Summer Moon swag bag, and all guests will be treated to free samples of oak-roasted coffee and Moon Milk (while supplies last). 
• Deals: Pop into Summer Moon’s first location in Arkansas for a chance to win a year’s supply of coffee and receive exclusive discounts!

Click HERE for more info. 

New initiatives are happening for holistic health in the region, such as the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, and emotional and mental health is top of mind right now for many people. 

• Options: Counseling and therapy of all kinds are readily available in Northwest Arkansas, and one of the hardest things sometimes, we think, is how many options there are. So, the team at NWA Daily has done some research to narrow down 13 counseling options in the region. 
• From the inside out: Because counseling and therapy is an essential part of the well-rounded nature of a healthy community, we have created a resource for your mental and emotional health journey. 

Check it out HERE.